Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates from lymphocytes. It is a general term for malignant tumors of lymph nodes. Lymphomas have many subgroups, but they are primarily classified into Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The exact cause of lymphomas is not fully known. While lymphoma is not an infectious disease, certain factors increase the risk of its development. Long-term exposure to chemical substances, suppression of the immune system, and certain viruses can contribute to lymphoma formation. It has also been observed that lymphoma occurs more frequently in individuals with a family history of the disease.
In recent years, the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphomas has increased. Although the exact reason for this is unclear, factors such as longer life expectancy, advancements in diagnostic methods, improved access to healthcare, and increased exposure to chemicals may be responsible for the rise in cases.
Symptoms of Lymphoma
Lymphomas can present various symptoms, but the most common complaint is swelling in the neck due to enlarged lymph nodes. Swelling may also occur in the armpits and groin. These swellings are typically painless. Apart from superficial lymph nodes, lymphoma can also affect lymph nodes inside the chest and abdomen, leading to symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and leg swelling due to pressure on surrounding tissues.
Patients may experience B symptoms, which include fever, excessive sweating, and weight loss. A weight loss of at least 10% of body weight within six months is considered significant in diagnosing lymphoma.
Lymphoma can also affect organs outside the lymph nodes, such as the spleen, liver, tonsils, throat, stomach, intestines, skin, and brain, causing different symptoms depending on the affected organ.
Diagnosis of Lymphoma
To diagnose lymphoma, biopsy from the affected area is necessary. A definitive diagnosis is established through histopathological examination. Therefore, in cases of lymph node enlargement, surgical removal and analysis of the lymph node are required.
In some cases, lymphoma may not involve superficial lymph nodes, but instead affect lymph nodes in the chest or abdomen. In such situations, surgical access to the enlarged lymph node for biopsy is necessary.
Staging and Treatment of Lymphoma
Once lymphoma is diagnosed, staging is crucial, as it determines the treatment approach. CT scans and PET scansare commonly used for staging. Additionally, because bone marrow involvement may occur, a bone marrow biopsy is essential for assessment.
Following staging and prognosis evaluation, the appropriate treatment is determined. Some early-stage follicular lymphomas may not require immediate treatment and can be monitored. However, most lymphoma cases require chemotherapy.
In early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, radiotherapy alone may be used. In some cases, radiotherapy is recommended after chemotherapy.
Recently, targeted therapies have emerged in cancer treatment, providing significant benefits for lymphoma patients. In cases where chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone is insufficient, stem cell transplantation may be performed. Autologous (self) stem cell transplants are preferred, but related or unrelated donor stem cell transplants are used in non-responsive cases.
