Lymphoma Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Lymphoma cancer refers to the cancer of the lymphatic system. In 2020, more than 50,000 fresh cases of lymphoma cancer were diagnosed in India. Considering its deadly nature, early diagnosis can prove to be very helpful. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a health problem is the key to getting the treatment on time. This article will discuss all about lymphoma cancer so anyone in need can resort to a solution. Read on to gather more information.

What is Lymphoma Cancer?

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system, consisting of a group of vessels, organs, and tissues, is the infection-fighting system of the body. Lymph nodes, thymus, and bone marrow are the lymphatic system organs. Maintaining balanced fluid levels in the body and fighting against the infections that attack your body are the major tasks of the lymphatic system. 

Swollen lymph nodes are a common sign for many health infections and in some cases, it can be a lymphoma cancer symptom as well. It is best advised to see a doctor if the problem with the lymphatic system becomes serious!

How Bad is Lymphoma Cancer?

The seriousness of the lymphoma blood cancer depends on the type of the lymphoma. In most cases, Hodgkin lymphoma is curable. On the other hand, health effects and vulnerability with non-Hodgkin lymphoma are more serious and aggressive. Lymphoma cancer survival rates may also differ for different individuals. Making lifestyle changes and the right treatment may help in improving the condition. 

Types of Lymphoma Cancer

There are two types of lymphoma cancer. Here are the details of the same:

Causes of Lymphoma

The exact lymphoma cancer causes are unknown. However, it happens when the white blood cells mutate uncontrollably. The uncontrolled mutations of cancerous cells form, which do not die and thus lead to lymphoma. Although the exact causes are unknown, there are certain risk factors that may put someone at a higher risk of developing lymphoma cancer:

• HIV: Viral diseases like those caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), Kaposi sarcoma human immunodeficiency virus, or Epstein-Barr may also put you at higher risk of lymphoma.
• Autoimmune diseases: Various autoimmune diseases may also trigger lymphoma.
• Weak Immune System: People with weak immune systems or those who are on immunosuppressive medications are at risk of lymphoma. For instance, someone who has had a stem cell transplant may be advised immunosuppressive medicines so the body adjusts to the transplantation without rejecting it.
• Family History: Someone with a family history of lymphoma is at risk of getting lymphatic system cancer.

Symptoms of Lymphoma Cancer

Knowing about lymphoma will be incomplete without acquiring sufficient knowledge of lymphoma cancer symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms of lymphoma cancer:

Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy refers to the swollen lymph nodes. It may swell due to various reasons. In the case of cancer, there are painless lymph nodes swelling in the neck or armpit. Such painless and swollen lymph nodes may not go away within a week

Extreme Fatigue

People with lymphoma may feel excessive fatigue. Even if there is sufficient rest and sleep, the person may feel extremely tired all the time.

High Fever

High fever, beyond 103 degrees Celsius is yet another lymphoma cancer symptoms. In some cases the fever may be persistent for a few days and in some cases, the fever may drop and then come back.

Soaking Wet Night Sweats

Sweating during the night can become really serious. It can be so wet that you may end up waking up and finding your bed sheet drenched in your sweat.

Dyspnea

Dyspnea is a condition where the person experiences a lack of enough air in the lungs. The person may feel shortness of breath even when trying hard to get sufficient air.

Unintentional Weight Loss

Weight loss can be another sign of lymphoma. Unintentional weight loss of over 10% of your body weight in the past few months without any weight loss diet or exercise can be alarming. Even if there are no other signs of lymphoma, unintentional weight loss must not be ignored.

>> Also Read: What Do the 5 Stages of Cancer Denote?

Symptoms of Lymphoma in Females

Lymphoma cancer symptoms can be similar in males and females. However, if the lymphoma affects reproductive organs, there may be different symptoms of lymphoma in females. Here are some you must know about:

• Pelvic Pain: Females may develop mass in the pelvic region, which may also become painful. It may put pressure on the abdomen and pelvis causing discomfort and pain.
• Abnormal Bleeding: Uterine bleeding is the process of menstruation. However, if you see a difference in the uterine bleeding pattern, you must consult a doctor. In some cases, women may experience bleeding after menopause as well.
• Dyspareunia: Dyspareunia is a condition where the female experiences painful sex. Due to increased pelvis mass, sexual intercourse becomes uncomfortable and painful.

Lymphoma Diagnosis

To diagnose lymphoma, exam checks for swollen lymph nodes in groin, underarm, and neck are performed. There are three types of tests- physical exam, biopsy and imaging tests. The type of the test depends on your symptoms and lymphoma’s location.

• Physical Exam: After knowing your symptoms and health history, the doctor would examine your body parts by manually pressing to find swollen lymph nodes.
• Biopsy: In biopsy for lymphoma, a sample of one or more lymph nodes is removed. They are tested for any cancer cells and the treatment is advised as per the results.
• Imaging Tests: Other tests like MRI, CR, and PET scans are done to look for lymphoma signs in other body parts.

Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

The lymphoma cancer treatment depends on various factors like the type of lymphoma cancer, the stage it has reached, the pace at which it is progressing, and the overall health of the patient. Commonly followed lymphoma treatments are:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: In the case of Hodgkin lymphoma, treatments like chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy can be carried out. They help in destroying the cancerous cells.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Along with chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy, non-Hodgkin lymphoma may also require bone marrow transplant if the lymphoma badly affects bone marrow. Apart from these, biological therapies targeting affected B-cells can also be prescribed.
• Chemotherapy: To treat lymphoma through chemotherapy, strong medicines are  given majorly through a vein.
• Immunotherapy: It either boosts the strength of the immune system or uses artificial normal parts of the system to slow the growth of lymphoma cells or kill them.
• Targeted therapy: It involves medicines that attack and kill specific chemicals in the cancer cells. Then the effectiveness of the therapy is measured to decide its continuation.
• Radiation therapy: The powerful energy beams from X-rays, protons or other sources treat lymphoma cancer through radiation therapy. 
• CART-T cell therapy: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy trains the immune system to fight cancerous cells. It removes T cells and white blood cells from your blood and then they are put back into your body. 

>> Read More: What is the cost of cancer treatment?

Over to You

Cancer can be a deadly disease if not correctly diagnosed and treated early. In the case of lymphoma cancer, you need to identify the symptoms and seek medical attention without any delay. While you are going through the treatment, it is important to take care of your daily lifestyle, diet, and mental health as well. In this journey of recovering and staying healthy, our cancer health insurance is here for you to take care of the expenses incurred towards the treatment of cancer and other related expenses. For more information about the plan you can connect with our experts or visit the website directly.

>> Also Read: Cervical Cancer Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.