Lymph node cancer or lymphoma is a blood cancer that can cause swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). Llymphoma begins when cancer cells attacka white blood cell (lymphocytes) which fights infection.
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that function to kill bacteria and viruses. In addition to the blood circulation, lymphocytes are scattered in several parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and digestive tract. When lymphocytes change, grow, and spread abnormally, a malignant lymphoma occurs.
Types of lymphoma
Lymphoma can be categorized into 2 types, namely Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The main difference lies in the type of lymphocyte cells that are attacked by cancer. This can be detected through examination with a microscope.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma. But unfortunately, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more dangerous than Hodgkin's lymphoma. In most cases, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has a lower cure rate than Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Lymphoma is different from leukemia although both attack white blood cells. Leukemia begins in the bone marrow, whereas lymphoma often starts in white blood cells in the lymph nodes.
Causes of Lymphoma
Until now, the exact cause lymphoma (lymphoma) is not known with certainty. However, there are factors that can increase a person's risk of developing lymphoma, including:
- People aged 60 and over are at higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Age between 15-40 years or over 55 years, are more at risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Male gender.
- Have a weak immune system, for example due to HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressant drugs for a long time.
- Suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, or celiac disease.
- Suffering from an Epstein-Barr infection, pylori, or hepatitis C.
- Exposed benzene or pesticides.
- Have had radiotherapy.
- Have a family member with lymphoma.
Lymphoma Symptoms
The main symptom of lymphoma is the appearance of lumps in several parts of the body, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. These lumps appear due to swollen lymph nodes.
In addition to swollen lymph nodes, lymphoma can cause symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Itchy rash
- Tired quickly
- Cough
- Sweating at night
- Drastic weight loss
- Hard to breathe
When to go to the doctor
A person needs to go to the doctor when they experience a lump in the neck, armpit, or groin due to swollen lymph nodes. These lumps can be a sign of lymphoma.
In addition, people who suffer from autoimmune diseases, people with HIV/AIDS, and people who take immunosuppressant drugs in the long term also need regular treatment to monitor disease progression, evaluate treatment, and detect early if lymphoma appears.
Lymphoma patients who have completed treatment for lymphoma still need to have regular check-ups with the doctor because lymphoma is a disease that has a risk of recurrence.
Lymphoma Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about the complaints and symptoms experienced by the patient and perform a physical examination. During a physical exam, the doctor will check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin, as well as examine the liver and spleen.
Furthermore, the doctor may ask the patient to undergo several supporting tests, such as:
Lymph node biopsy
A biopsy is done to take a sample of swollen lymph node tissue. The tissue sample will be examined in a laboratory. The results of these tests can show the presence of lymphoma and its type, whether Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin.
blood test
There are several blood tests that can be done, namely a complete blood test to see a decrease in blood cells, blood chemistry tests to see kidney and liver function, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to determine an increase in the patient's LDH level, which is usually elevated in lymphoma patients.
Aspiration Bone marrow
When performing a bone marrow aspiration, the doctor will use a needle to take blood and a sample of bone marrow tissue. The sample will be examined for the presence of cancer cells.
Pscan
Scans with X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and PET scans can be done to see the position, size, and spread of the lymphoma.
Lymphoma Stage
Through several examinations above, the doctor can confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the patient's lymphoma. The following is an explanation of the stages of lymphoma:
- Stage 1At this stage, cancer cells attack one of the lymph node groups.
- Stage 2At this stage, the cancer has invaded 2 lymph node areas or has spread to organs around the lymph nodes. However, the spread is limited to the upper or lower body only, with the diaphragm as a limitation, for example swollen lymph nodes in the armpits and neck.
- Stage 3At this stage the cancer has invaded the upper and lower body. Cancer may also have arisen in the spleen.
- Stage 4Cancer has spread through the lymph system and into various organs, such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
Lymphoma Treatment
Lymphoma treatment will be adjusted based on the patient's health condition, age, and the type and stage of lymphoma experienced by the patient. Doctors will recommend various types of treatment below:
- DrugsChemotherapy drugs (eg vincristine) and immunotherapy drugs (eg rituximab) will be given to kill lymphoma cells.
- RadiotherapyThis procedure is done by using a special beam of radiation to kill cancer cells.
- spinal cord transplantThis treatment is performed when the lymphoma is in the bone marrow. Bone marrow functions to produce normal blood cells. A bone marrow transplant is performed to replace bone marrow tissue that has been damaged by lymphoma, with healthy bone marrow tissue.
It should be informed, not all lymphoma patients require immediate medical treatment. If the cancer you have is a slow-growing type and doesn't cause symptoms, your doctor may suggest waiting and seeing its progress.
In some cases, small, early-stage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be treated by removing it at the time of the biopsy. Thus, the patient does not need further treatment.
Lymphoma Complications
Lymphoma can increase the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease, lung disease, and infectious diseases. Patients with lymphoma are more susceptible to infection due to a decreased immune system. Lymphoma disease can also recur, even though the patient has received treatment.
In addition to the disease itself, treatment of lymphoma can also cause a series of complications, including:
- infertilityChemotherapy and radiotherapy to treat lymphoma can cause temporary or permanent infertility.
- The emergence of a new cancerTreatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy can increase a person's risk of developing cancer, especially breast and lung cancer.
Lymphoma Prevention
It is difficult to prevent lymphoma, because the cause is unknown and many factors influence it. There will be several steps that can be taken to prevent lymphoma according to the risk factors, including:
- Have safe sex and do not use drugs to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
- Use personal protective equipment at work, if the work environment is at risk of exposure to benzene and pesticides.
If you suffer from an autoimmune disease and are taking immunosuppressant drugs for the long term, it is necessary to regularly see a doctor to monitor the progress of the disease and evaluate treatment, as well as to detect lymphoma early.