1. Body Reactions Inside and Out
Experts classify non-Hodgkins lymphoma cells by two different types of cell reactions. B cells are the cells responsible for 90 percent of non-Hodgkins lymphoma cases. Inside your body, the B cells undergo changes within their lifecycles and can interact with foreign chemicals in the body to malfunction. The common symptoms are fevers that seem to have no cause, night sweats and weight loss. Watch for specific problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, cough or bone pain to evaluate the problem. Consult your doctor at the first sign of symptoms to rule out other illnesses.
2. What Causes B-Cell Lymphoma
Usually a genetic abnormality in the creation of the B cell is the cause for the lymphoma. These keep multiplying abnormally. The causes for the creation of B cells to go bad are many things. Some studies have shown a link to workers in meat processing, painters and workers using petroleum, rubber, plastics and synthetics. Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, solvents, organic chemicals and wood preservatives also plays a role. There is also a link between the Epstein-Barr virus and B-cell lymphoma.
3. Undergo Your Medical Work-Up
Your doctor will perform a medical work-up, which baselines all your cell counts, and other tests. Your doctor will perform a laboratory test consisting of a blood cell count, liver function tests, blood sugar test, calcium test, albumin test and other blood tests. In addition, an HIV test can rule out a cause for your symptoms. Almost all doctors will perform a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the B-cell lymphoma. Often your doctor orders a CT scan to look at your thorax, abdomen and pelvis.
4. Treat B-Cell Lymphoma
Doctors mainly treat B-cell lymphoma with chemotherapy. They use it to stop the growth of cancer cells. The medicine either kills the cells or stops them from dividing. Doctors inject chemotherapy medications into your veins or muscles or advise you to take it orally. These medications travel through your bloodstream and reach the cancer cells. Your doctor may prescribe one drug, or they may prescribe many kinds of drugs to treat B-cell lymphoma. Most treatments are in cycles, and your doctor monitors your progress during these cycles.
5. Prevention of B-Cell Lymphoma
Not a lot can be done to prevent B-cell lymphoma. You can limit your exposure to cancer-causing agents, but the genetic malfunctions are unavoidable.
