Lymphoma: Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention

What Is Lymphoma Cancer?

Lymphoma cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the human immune system that helps protect the body from disease and infection. Lymphoma cancer begins when lymph cells become abnormal and multiply rapidly. These abnormal cells then form tumours in the lymph nodes or other lymph organs.

Lymphoma cancer is classified into two types: Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's. Hodgkin's lymphoma usually affects young people and teenagers while non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common in adults. However, both types of lymphoma cancer can occur at any age.

Lymphoma Cancer Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase a person's risk of getting lymphoma cancer. Among them are:

• Age: Lymphoma cancer is more common in older people, especially those over the age of 60.

• Gender: Men have a higher risk of lymphoma than women.

• Heredity Factor: A person with a family history of lymphoma cancer has a higher risk of developing lymphoma cancer.

• Hazardous Chemicals: Exposure to substances such as air pollutants, pesticides and organic solvents can increase a person's risk of lymphoma cancer.

• Viruses and Bacteria: Several viruses and bacteria have been linked to lymphoma cancer, including the Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C virus and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Signs & Symptoms of Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma cancer has various signs and symptoms that vary depending on the type of lymphoma. This includes:

• Swollen Lymph Nodes

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groyne are common signs of lymphoma cancer.

• Fever and Night Sweats

Patients may experience fever and severe night sweats. It is also an early sign of lymphoma cancer.

• Fatigue and Weight Loss

Fatigue and unexplained weight loss can also be signs of lymphoma cancer.

• Pressure on Other Organs

Lymphoma cancer that spreads to other organs such as the stomach or chest can put pressure on the organs. This causes pain and discomfort for lymphoma patients.

• Headache and Confusion

Lymphoma cancer located in the brain can cause nerve and brain symptoms such as headaches and confusion.

How to Detect Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma cancer can be detected through several methods such as:

• Physical examination - The doctor will examine the body to detect signs of lymphoma cancer such as lumps in the lymph nodes or other organs.

• Blood test - Blood tests are used to measure the number of white blood cells and to detect signs of cancer in the blood.

• Biopsy - The doctor will take a tissue sample from a lump or organ suspected of being affected by lymphoma. The tissue sample is then tested in a laboratory to confirm the type of lymphoma cancer.

• X-rays and CT scans - X-rays and CT scans are used to produce images of internal organs. This can help doctors to identify lumps or organs infected with lymphoma cancer.

• PET scan - This scan combines the scanned image with radioactive material to produce a clearer picture of the abnormal organs and cells.

In most cases, a combination of detection methods will be used to confirm the diagnosis of lymphoma cancer.

Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

Treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Here are some common treatments used to treat lymphoma cancer:

1. Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells is referred to as chemotherapy. This medicine can be taken orally or given by injection into a vein. Chemotherapy is usually given in regular sessions over several months.

2. Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy uses X-rays or gamma rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment is usually performed on areas affected by lymphoma cancer.

3. Monoclonal Antibody Therapy: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy is a treatment that uses artificial antibodies to attack cancer cells. Antibodies are designed to bind to special proteins in cancer cells and kill them.

4. T-Cell Therapy: T-Cell Therapy is a treatment procedure that uses modified human T cells to attack cancer cells. T cells are modified to have the ability to identify and attack cancer cells.

5. Combination Treatment: Sometimes, several types of treatment will be used to treat lymphoma cancer. For example, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be used together to increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Side Effects of Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

Lymphoma Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy have side effects that may occur in patients. This includes:

• Fatigue

Cancer treatment frequently causes fatigue. Patients may feel very tired and lack energy.

• Hair fall

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause hair loss. Hair may thin or fall out, or the patient may lose all their hair.

• Nausea and vomiting

Most types of cancer treatment can cause nausea and vomiting. Certain medications can help alleviate these symptoms.

• Risk of infection

Cancer treatment can weaken the patient's immune system and risk infection.

• Mouth sores and ulcer

Chemotherapy can cause mouth sores and ulcers. Patients can take medication to help reduce pain and infection.

• Digestive problems

Cancer treatment can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhoea or constipation.

• Cardiovascular problems

Cancer treatments, such as anthracycline chemotherapy, can cause cardiovascular problems, such as heart failure.

• Kidney problems

Some chemotherapy drugs can cause kidney problems.

• Nervous problems

Some chemotherapy drugs can cause nerve problems, such as numbness or tingling.

• Fertility problems

Some types of cancer treatment can cause fertility problems in both men and women.

Lymphoma Cancer Prevention Measures

• Healthy lifestyle

Practise a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid the use of cigarettes and alcohol. A healthy lifestyle can help maintain a strong immune system and reduce the risk of lymphoma cancer.

• Maintain a healthy immune system

A strong immune system can help the body fight infections and cancer. Therefore, you should get enough sleep and avoid taking drugs that are unnecessary or not approved by the government.

• Avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals

Exposure to hazardous chemicals such as household, office or factory chemicals, and toxic craftsman's tools is hazardous to our  health. If you are exposed to chemicals at work, make sure you wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.

• Monitor your health regularly

Monitor your health regularly by visiting your doctor for recommended tests. This can help detect lymphoma cancer at an early stage and improve the effectiveness of treatment.

• Reduce exposure to radiation

Radiation, especially from X-rays and gamma rays can increase the risk of lymphoma cancer. Minimise your exposure to radiation by only getting necessary radiological tests and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment if you are exposed to this radiation at work.

Don't Ignore Your Health!

Maintaining good health is important to reduce the risk of lymphoma and other types of cancer. Practise a healthy lifestyle and take appropriate preventive measures. Don't ignore the early signs of cancer and make sure you undergo regular health check-ups to detect cancer at an early stage.