The type of cancer that starts from the white blood cells – also known as lymphocytes – and ultimately affect the whole immune system is called non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Herein, we provide a short guide to the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available.
Symptoms
There are various symptoms of this type of cancer and this cancer mostly affects the adults. Only a rare case of children has been found, which are diagnosed with this cancer.
- You will experience swollen and painless lymph nodes in the area of your neck, groin, or armpits.
- You may experience swelling in the abdomen and pain in the abdomen when you suffer from this cancer.
- Another common symptom of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is coughing, chest pain or difficulty in breathing.
- You may also experience extreme and constant fatigue while suffering from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Fever is another common symptom, which will occur to anyone suffering from this cancer.
- There is also a certain sign of night sweats in this type of cancer.
- Weight loss, which you cannot explain is also one of the symptoms of this cancer.
Causes
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is caused due to various reasons. The ones mentioned below are the most common.
- It can be caused due to some deficiencies of the immune system.
- There are also certain genetic syndromes, like Klinefelter’s and Downs, that cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in many people.
- Some immune disorders and their treatment also contribute to causing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- A disease in which the processing of some components of gluten is made is known as Celiac disease. This disease can also be a cause of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is also caused by inflammatory bowel disease and its treatment.
- Psoriasis can also cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in several individuals.
- If any of your family members have a history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, then you are more prone to get this cancer.
- Several micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses also cause Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in many people.
- The translocations of non-random chromosomes and rearrangements of molecules can also result in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Diagnosis
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be diagnosed with the utilization of a biopsy. It is a small surgical procedure in which a portion of the affected area is removed and observed in a laboratory to know more about the stage and the type of cancer developed in the individual.
Treatment
There are many ways of treating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and one needs to consult the doctor before starting any of them.
- It can be treated with chemotherapy in which the medicine to kill cancer cells are provided either orally or by injection.
- Radiotherapy is also used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- There are certain medications that improve your immune system, and they are utilized in the treatment of this cancer.
This is the complete description of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and you can consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms.
