The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the immune system that can protect us from infection and foreign bodies. In some individuals though, the lymphatic system is the one under attack with cancer.

Lymphoma is the common term for the type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, specifically the lymphocytes or white blood cells. Usually, the lymph nodes are affected first. The cancer cells however can also spread to other organs. There are two major types of lymphomas. Hodgkin’s lymphoma has five subtypes while non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has 30 subtypes.

Lymphocytes

There are two types of lymphocytes, B cells and T cells. The former produce antibodies while the latter attack foreign bodies immediately. Non- Hodgkin’s disease may affect either B or T cells. Hodgkin’s lymphoma affects B cells. These cells become abnormal and come to be known as Reed-Sternberg cells.

Symptoms

Although the two major types of lymphoma have been differentiated, subtypes in both types may produce the same symptoms. Among some individuals, the first few stages of lymphoma may only be marked by swelling of the lymph nodes. Initially, there may even be no pain or other visible symptoms. In time, a person who has lymphoma may eventually feel extremely tired and may lose weight. He may also suffer from night sweats and high fever. These accompanying symptoms may be mistaken for flu but they should be deemed alarming already if they show no signs of diminishing after typical flu treatment. Go to the doctor immediately if your symptoms persist.

Causes of Lymphoma

Experts and researchers are not entirely sure what causes lymphoma. There is a big possibility though that genetic factors may be involved. In this type of cancer, the white blood cells do not die as they eventually should and will continue to multiply and gather in the lymph nodes. This is why the lymph nodes will begin to grow unchecked. Eventually, the cancer cells could spread to surrounding tissues and even organs that are far away as the lymphatic system continues to function. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Aside from the genes, there are also a number of risk factors that may or may not increase the likelihood of a person developing lymphoma. Immuno compromised individuals or those with auto immune disorders or HIV for example, have a higher risk of developing lymphoma. Having hepatitis B or being infected with bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori are also risk factors. 

Consulting Your Doctor

Like most check ups, your doctor will initially interview you for you medical history and will ask specific descriptions about your symptoms. He may ask for example how long your lymph nodes have been swelling and if you have had any illnesses before swelling occurred. After your interview, he may suspect that you have lymphoma in which case you may have to undergo blood tests, lymph node biopsy and imaging.

Only when your condition has been confirmed can the doctor proceed with methods that will help determine the stage of your cancer. The mode of treatment is then chosen. Common treatments for lymphoma are radiation therapy and chemotherapy.