What is Lymphoma?

Table of Contents☰

About Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is a part of the body’s immune system.
The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, the spleen, tonsils, and the bone marrow.
Lymphomas are characterized by the abnormal growth and proliferation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which can form tumors in various parts of the body.
It’s considered a blood cancer because the condition starts in white blood cells (lymphocytes) in your lymphatic system.
Lymphomas can be aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow-growing).
It can spread rapidly from the lymph nodes to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. As cancerous lymphocytes spread into other tissues, the immune system cannot defend against infections as effectively.

There are two main types of lymphoma:

Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL):

It is a relatively rare type of lymphoma that is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large, abnormal cells found in the affected lymph nodes.
It often has a predictable pattern of spreading through the lymphatic system.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL):

It is a more common and diverse group of lymphomas that can originate in various lymphatic tissues throughout the body.
Unlike Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL does not involve Reed-Sternberg cells and has a more varied and less predictable pattern of growth.
Cause: The cause of lymphoma is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:

Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
Persistent fatigue
Fever
Night sweats
Shortness of breath
Unexplained weight loss
Itchy skin

Treatment: The course of treatment depends on the type of lymphoma a person has and the stage it has reached. Common lymphoma treatments include:

Chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy.
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy.
CAR T-cell therapy.
Stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation.

Q1: What is Bone Marrow?

Bone marrow is a spongy tissue found within the cavities of certain bones, primarily in the center of large bones like the hipbones, breastbone (sternum), and the long bones of the arms and legs. It is a crucial part of the human body’s blood-forming system and plays a vital role in the production of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Source: World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2023 Theme: Date, History, Significance, and More