What is Lymphoma?

When patients are diagnosed with lymphoma, most of their usual response would be: "What is lymphoma? Why do I have it?" The name alone sparks interest and fear of many, for it is one of the common types of cancer in the United States.

To fully understand what is lymphoma, you have to know first where it starts. Lymphoma is a malignancy, or cancer in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for fighting infection, and a major part of your body's immune system. The lymphatic system comprises of the lymph, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen, bone marrow, and liver. The lymph is the fluid in the lymphatic system, and carries the lymphocytes that fight microorganisms or pathogens that invade the body. The lymphocytes collect in a lymph node, with is the arena where they would fight the microorganism. To reach a body part, the lymph travels through a system tunnels or passages called the lymph vessels. Once the pathogens are filtered and destroyed, the lymph now travels to the spleen which is the storage of blood cells and dead lymphocytes as well as pathogens. The dead cells are now brought to the liver for break down and the by product is excreted via kidneys or large intestine. The bone marrow is takes part in the lymphatic system as the area where lymphocytes are produced.

The malignancy in lymphoma starts in the lymphocytes, particularly in the B-cells or T-cells. Lymphoma is categorized into two types: Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The main difference between the two is that in Hodgkin's lymphoma, there is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells inside the malignant lymphocytes. It is unknown how and why the malignancy starts in lymphoma, but the mutation of lymphocytes is believed to be connected to an immune-compromised status such as presence of viral infections (i.e. HIV/AIDS, Epstein-Barr virus), use of immune-suppressant drugs, and radiation therapy during cancer management. These malignant cells will collect in a lymph node and would form a lymph node that is more than 2 cm in size, rubbery, and non-tender. Other symptoms of lymphoma include night sweats, unexplained weight loss and fever, enlarged spleen and liver, and anorexia.

Research is still being done to understand what is lymphoma. So far, traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are being utilized to help combat the malignancy. Bone marrow transplant is done when the malignancy is at the later stage and as a last resort to combat the disease. If you suspect that you have lymphoma, contact your physician so a definite diagnosis and treatment will be given to manage your condition.

Need to learn more about Lymphoma? Be sure to check out Lymphoma Symptoms which contains in-depth information on what is lymphoma, symptoms, causes, treatment and much more.