Lymphoma is a disease caused by abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes in the human body. The number of lymphocytes (B cells, T cells) is usually maintained within the normal range, but certain factors can cause them to mutate into cancer cells and cause abnormal proliferation. In addition to metastasizing from the lymphatic system, cancer cells may also directly appear in other organs and affect organ functions.
1. There are 6 major warning signs before lymphoma "comes to the body"
Lymphoma is also called a "silent cancer" because its early symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses (such as colds), making it easy for patients to ignore it. By the time the symptoms become severe, it often has entered an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult.
1. Fever: sudden fever for no reason
2. Swelling: A raised lump appears on the neck, armpit or groin, which is not painful.
3. Itching: Itching all over the body
4. Sweat: night sweats
5. Cough: persistent coughing and wheezing
6. Lose weight: Lose more than 5% of body weight within three months, often feel tired
3. What factors cause lymphoma?
Elderly people over 60 years old are more likely to develop lymphomaImmunocompromisedPeople with hereditary immune insufficiency (such as severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome), AIDS patients, and those taking immunosuppressants after receiving organ transplants are also more likely to develop lymphoma.
bacterial or viral infectionSome bacteria or viruses can also increase the risk of lymphoma, such as Helicobacter pylori, human T-lymphocyte virus type 1, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis C virus.
envirnmental factorOrganic solvents or chemicals may also cause lymphoma, such as long-term exposure to pesticides and hair dyes, or work in rubber collection, shipbuilding, painting, etc.
4. Staging of Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Stage 1
Lymphoma is limited to one lymph node, one lymphoid tissue (such as tonsils), or one organ
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Stage 2
Lymphoma affects two or more places, but the affected areas are all on the same side of the diaphragm. For example, lymph nodes in the neck and armpits are affected by lymphoma at the same time.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Stage 3
Lymphoma affects both the "above" and "below" areas of the diaphragm. For example, lymph node cancer occurs in the groin and the lymph nodes in the neck.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma stage 4
Lymphoma widely invades organs other than the lymphatic system, such as the liver, bone marrow, and lungs.
5. Lymphoma survival rate and treatment methods
1. Lymphoma has different treatment methods and survival rates depending on the type. The main treatment methods are as follows:
Observe regularlyradiation therapyChemotherapy (chemotherapy)Targeted therapy2. Treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomaFor this type of lymphoma, because the cancer cells grow slowly, doctors may first adopt observation methods. If treatment is necessary, radiation therapy can be used in the early stages of lymphoma (stages 1 and 2). In the later stages (stages 3 and 4), in addition to radiation, chemotherapy (chemotherapy) with targeted therapy can also be used. medical treatement. Overall, the five-year survival rate for this type of lymphoma is about 70%.
Intermediate and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomaIf you suffer from this type of lymphoma, because the cancer cells expand rapidly, if you do not receive immediate treatment, the patient may be life-threatening. During treatment, doctors may use chemotherapy combined with targeted drugs, and the five-year survival rate is about 30% to 50%.
Treating Hodgkin's LymphomaPatients with this type of lymphoma have a high survival rate after treatment, and the five-year survival rate is as high as 90%. In the first and second stages of cancer, radiation therapy can be used. If the disease progresses into the third and fourth stages, it can be combined with chemotherapy.
As long as you receive proper treatment, you have a chance to overcome cancer. If initial treatment is not effective or the cancer recurs, high-dose chemotherapy combined with bone marrow transplantation can be used.
