Overview of Lymphoma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Overview of Lymphoma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Lymph node cancer, or lymphoma, is a blood cancer that can cause swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). Lymphoma begins when cancer cells attack one of the white blood cells (lymphocytes), which function to fight infection.

Lymphocytes are white blood cells whose job it is to kill bacteria and viruses. Apart from the bloodstream, lymphocytes are distributed in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and digestive tract. When lymphocytes change and spread abnormally, malignant lymphoma occurs.

Lymphoma can be categorized into two types, namely Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The main difference lies in the type of lymphocyte cells attacked by cancer. This can be known through examination with a microscope. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma. But unfortunately, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more dangerous than Hodgkin's lymphoma. In many cases, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has a lower cure rate than Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lymphoma is different from leukemia, even though they both attack white blood cells. Leukemia begins in the bone marrow, while lymphoma often begins in the white blood cells in the lymph nodes.

  1. Until now, the exact cause of lymphoma has not been known for certain. However, there are factors that can increase a person's risk of developing lymphoma, including: 1. Those aged 60 years and over are at greater risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  2. Age between 15 and 40 years or over 55 years is at greater risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  3. Male gender.
  4. Have a weak immune system, for example, due to HIV/AIDS or taking long-term immunosuppressant drugs.
  5. Suffering from autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, or celiac disease.
  6. Suffering from infections due to Epstein-Barr, pylori, or hepatitis C.
  7. Exposure to benzene or pesticides.
  8. Have had radiotherapy.
  9. Have a family member who suffers from lymphoma.

Lymphoma risk factors, namely:

  1. Genetics: Hereditary factors determine the level of lymphoma risk.
  2. Age: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma often occurs in the age range of 15–30 years and in seniors over 55 years. Meanwhile, the risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma increases with age and is often found in elderly people over 60 years old.
  3. Gender: men are more likely to suffer from lymphoma than women.
  4. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): glandular fever caused by the EVB virus increases the risk of developing lymphoma cancer.
  5. Immune system: HIV and immunosuppressant drugs weaken the body's immune system while increasing the risk of lymphoma.

The main symptom of lymphoma is the appearance of lumps in several parts of the body, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. These lumps appear due to swollen lymph nodes. Apart from swollen lymph nodes, lymphoma can cause symptoms in the form of fever, itching, fatigue, coughing, night sweats, drastic weight loss, and shortness of breath.

Interviews and physical examinations are the beginning of the diagnosis. If symptoms of lymphoma are found, the doctor will continue with blood and urine tests (this process is to determine overall body health), a CT scan, an MRI scan, or a PET scan (the level of spread of lymphoma can be determined through this examination), and a biopsy (taking samples of lymph nodes or bone marrow).

There are several stages of lymphoma, including

  1. Stage 1, where the cancer attacks one group of lymph nodes.
  2. Stage 2, where two groups of lymphocytes have been attacked by cancer.
  3. Stage 3, where the lymph nodes above and below the diaphragm have become infected with cancer.
  4. Stage 4, where the cancer spreads through the lymphatic system and enters the organs and bone marrow.

Supporting examinations that are often used include laboratory, radiology, taking tissue from the gland (biopsy), and taking bone marrow samples.

The diagnosis is made based on the results of tissue and cell examination through biopsy examination of the lymph nodes and, if necessary, combined with an IHK (immunohistochemistry) examination. Bone marrow sampling will also be performed if there is suspicion of nervous system involvement.

There are several therapeutic options for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, namely systemic therapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, and surgery. Systemic therapy itself consists of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy, and immune therapy.

Giving chemotherapy to patients aims to destroy cancer cells by preventing them from growing and developing. Generally, systemic chemotherapy is given through a vein or by oral administration.

Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets specific genes or proteins in cancer treatment. This therapy will stop the growth and spread of cancer cells and prevent damage to other healthy cells.

Radiation therapy is the administration of radiation energy to destroy cancer cells. Generally, patients will be given light from outside (a machine), or what is called external beam radiation therapy. Radiotherapy is generally given after or in addition to chemotherapy, depending on the subtype of lymphoma. Radiation therapy is mainly given in cases that are local or involve organs outside the lymph node system. Radiotherapy can also be given to relieve pain or local symptoms in patients with advanced stages. This therapy will be given several times and divided into certain periods. Side effects that can generally occur are nausea and fatigue.

The newest therapy that is still in the development stage for lymphoma is bone marrow transplantation, where this therapy is recommended if chemotherapy and radiotherapy do not show a good response. This therapy is recommended if the patient is diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma that easily recurs. The goal of this therapy is to eliminate all cancer cells in the bone marrow, blood, and other parts of the body through high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Download the Hermina Mobile Apps application to facilitate health access and registration at Hermina Arcamanik Hospital.

Reference:

Dirjen pelayanan kesehatan RI, https:// yankes.go.id
https:// health. Kompas.com
https:// unud.ac.id

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.