Lymphoma consists of a form of cancer that affects lymphocytes, cells found in the body's immune system, according to the National Cancer Institute. Two categories encompass lymphoma: Hodgkin's lymphoma, distinguished by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, and the much more common Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The National Institute indicates that both forms of lymphoma "behave and respond to treatment differently."
Course
Since tissue containing lymphocytes occur throughout the body the American Cancer Society indicates that all forms of lymphoma may start anywhere in the body. Hodgkin's lymphoma typically begins in the upper part of the body, such as the chest, neck or under the arms. Wherever the cancer begins MayoClinic.com identifies that the cancer generally follows an orderly spread from lymph node to node, rarely skipping them. The American Cancer Society indicates that late in the disease, the cancer may infiltrate the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. The course of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma depends on the subtype the individual has. In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the cancer cells are large and grow quickly. In follicular lymphoma, the cancer grows slowly.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of lymphoma are similar for all types of this cancer. The National Cancer Institute explains that many symptoms are not due to lymphoma but related infections and health problems associated with the cancer. This source identifies symptoms including painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms or groin, significant weight loss with an unknown cause, persistent fever, soaking night sweats, itchy skin and constant fatigue. MayoClinic.com identifies additional symptoms, including "coughing, trouble breathing or chest pain," loss of appetite, and "increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol or pain in your lymph nodes after drinking alcohol."
Staging
MayoClinic.com indicates that following diagnosis of lymphoma, a doctor will identify the stage of the disease, a determination of how far along the disease has progressed. The stage of the disease will determine treatment course and, according to the American Cancer Society, provides the individual with information regarding outlook. Four stages make up this system. In stage I, the National Cancer Institute identifies that the cancer is located in only one lymph node group or in only one part of a tissue or organ. In stage II, the cancer is located in at least two lymph nodes or tissues or organs located on the same side of the diaphragm, above or below. Stage III consists of the cancer progressing to both side of the diaphragm. In the final stage, stage IV, the cancer may be found throughout the body. The American Cancer Society provides five-year survival rates based on the stage of the disease: stage I is about 90 percent, stage II is also about 90 percent, stage III is about 80 percent and stage IV is about 65 percent.
Prognosis
Determinations of how quickly lymphoma will grow and predictions regarding an individual's response to treatment, according to the American Cancer Society, are determined using the International Prognostic Index. Five factors make up this index: age, stage, location of the cancer, an individual's ability to perform day-to-day activities and "blood level of lactate dehydrogenase," which increases "in the presence of fast-growing tumors." The presence of negative factors, such as age and stage of cancer, create a bleaker prognosis.
Treatment
Various treatment options are available for all kinds of lymphoma. These include chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy, which, according to the American Cancer Society, involves the use of substances ordinarily produced by the immune system. MayoClinic.com indicates that if other treatment is not effective, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be completed. Following the extraction of cells or bone marrow, the individual will receive high-dose chemotherapy. Healthy bone marrow or cells are reintroduced to the body after termination of chemotherapy.
