What Are the Causes, Types, and Symptoms of Lymphoma ?
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The condition is treatable, and this makes it a lot better than some other forms of cancer.
Before lymphoma can be diagnosed, the doctor will have to carry out lab tests and use imaging.
The lymphatic system is the system responsible for fighting disease in the body. It is made up of the following:
- Bone marrow
- Thymus gland
- Spleen
- Lymph nodes
It means that the lymphatic system spreads all over the body, indicating that lymphoma can occur in any part of the body.
Read also: 6 Ways to Boost Your Immune System
The Causes, Types, and Symptoms of Lymphoma ?
Lymphomas grow relatively slowly, and the growth will remain painless. Its growth can even take years.
It can transform from a low-grade lymphoma to a high-grade lymphoma in 10 to 15 years.
This is because cancer explicitly affects the lymphocytes, which are the cells in the blood responsible for fighting disease.
Lymphocytes are also referred to as white blood cells.
Different types of lymphomas
There are two types of lymphomas, and they are highlighted below:
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Studies show that Hodgkin lymphoma occurs in about 12% of those
having lymphomas.
In times past, lymphomas were fatal. However, recent breakthroughs in medical research have now made them treatable.
Risk factors of Hodgkin lymphomas include the following:
- It occurs in individuals from 20 it 55 years
- It occurs in men more than women
The risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma increases in individuals if their family has a history of Hodgkin lymphoma.
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So, this type of lymphoma is hereditary.
- It can increase the risk of infectious mononucleosis.
- It is more common in individuals from higher socioeconomic status
The risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma increases in individuals that have HIV infection
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
The risk factors of this type of lymphoma are highlighted below:
This type also occurs in immune-deficient individuals due to HIV infection or AIDS disease and those taking drugs that can suppress the immunity, especially following an organ transplant.
Individuals having some forms of autoimmune diseases, like celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
This type of lymphoma is common in individuals above 60 years old
- It is also more common in women than men
This type of lymphoma is more common in white Americans than in Asian Americans or African-Americans.
Previous infections like Epstein-Barr Virus infection, Hepatitis C infection, to helicobacter pylori infection can predispose one to this type of lymphoma.
Exposure to radiation and chemicals can equally predispose one to lymphoma.
Examples of chemicals to be wary of are herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides. Even nuclear radiation is not left behind.
Obesity is one other condition that may predispose one to this condition. Be that as it may, scientific research is still ongoing on this.
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Symptoms of lymphoma
The following are the symptoms to watch out for as far as lymphoma is concerned:
Feverish feeling that refuses to go away following treatment
Persistent fatigue and feeling of tiredness
Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin, armpits, or neck
- Itchy skin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Night sweats without cough
Disclaimer: Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is at your own risk. This article is strictly for informational purposes. The author is not a medical practitioner and as such you should not substitute the information here for professional advice.
