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This disease affects the lymph cells or lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell which fights infections). The lymphocytes are found in the blood and bone marrow and come together in the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groins, chest and abdomen. These lymph nodes are responsible for filtering the fluid and initiating the body's immune response.
Occasionally in certain individuals the lymphocytes can become cancerous and start multiplying out of control. This causes the nodes to enlarge and swell. Some types of lymphoma begin as a malignant tumour in a lymph node and spread through to other lymphatic tissue and possibly to organs outside the lymphatic system.
Left unchecked, the cancerous cells multiply and eventually replace the healthy lymphocytes, suppressing the immune system.
The term lymphoma refers to a varied group of diseases that range from slow-growing chronic disorders to rapidly evolving, acute conditions. There are generally two classifications of lymphoma - Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas which include all other types besides Hodgkin’s disease.
Lymphoma may cause no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include:
Swollen lymph nodes.
Fever, chills, night sweats, loss of weight and appetite, persistent fatigue, and general weakness.
The symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in addition to those listed above, include:
Swelling or fullness in the abdomen from an enlarged spleen.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin.
Tiredness
Changes in bowel habits or bleeding from the rectum
Nasal congestion, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing
There may be a genetic link. Some researchers have indicated a virus may be the cause.
Doctors do not know how to detect lymphoma before it starts causing symptoms. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin usually indicate its presence.
Doctors can perform blood or urine tests to determine if the disease is present. And if cancer is found, further testing can determine how widespread it is.
Radiation and chemotherapy are the treatments that are usually used for this type of cancer and have proven to be very successful in eradicating and stopping the disease from spreading.
Since success depends on high doses of toxic drugs and radiation, treatment frequently results in unpleasant side effects and can cause residual complications such as infertility.
People who are now in remission should have regular check ups with their doctor.
The standard treatment for lymphoma - radiation and drugs can do damage to the immune system. There are benefits in also seeing a naturopath who can advise on alternative relief as well as techniques to build up the immune system again.
Rest, relaxation, and good nutrition are the basis of good health.
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