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Monday, November 22, 2010

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma


Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is cancer that begins in the lymphatic system (lymphatic). The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. The immune system fight off infections and other diseases.
What causes lymphoma?

Doctors can not always explain why one person develops lymphoma, while others avoid the disease. However, we know that people with certain risk factors are more likely to hit lymphoma.
Research shows that people who have weakened immune systems (eg autoimmune disorders), or suffer certain infections (eg, Human immunodeficiency virus, HIV) are at higher risk of disease non-Hodgkin's lymphoma this. Although non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur in young people, but the possibility of developing this disease increases with age. Most people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma aged over 60 years.
Symptoms
    * Swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpit or groin pain but no
    * Losing weight without reason
    * Fever
    * Sweat streaming at night
    * Cough, difficult breathing, or chest pain
    * Weak and weary that do not heal
    * Pain, swelling or feeling uncomfort in the stomach
Generally, these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause symptoms like this. People who experience these symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Diagnosis

If you experience swelling of the lymph nodes or other symptoms that indicate non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the doctor must find out whether the symptoms are from cancer or other diseases.
How to assess Lymphoma?
The doctor must know the extent (stage) of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to plan the best treatment. This stage is based on the location where lymphoma cells are found (in the lymph nodes or other organs or tissues) and reach the affected area. Stages of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are as follows:
    * Stage I: The lymphoma cells are in one group of lymph nodes (eg in the neck or underarm). Or, if the abnormal cells were not in the lymph nodes, but only one part of the body's tissues or organs only (eg in the lungs, but not in liver or bone marrow).
    * Stage II: The lymphoma cells are at least two groups of lymph nodes, diaphragm on the same side (either above or below). Or, the lymphoma cells are located in organs and the lymph nodes around it (on the same side as the diaphragm) There may be lymphoma cells in lymph node groups the other on the same side of the diaphragm.
    * Stage III: Lymphomas are a group of lymph nodes above and below the diaphragm. It can also be found in the organ or tissue around this lymph node group.
    * Stage IV: Lymphoma is in the whole of the organ or tissue (other than the lymph nodes). Or, is in the heart, blood, or bone marrow.
What treatments are offered?
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. This therapy is called systemic therapy because the drugs travel through the bloodstream. Drugs can reach cancer cells in almost all parts of the body.
You may receive chemotherapy by mouth, through a vein, or in the space between the spinal cord. Treatment usually as an outpatient, either at the hospital / clinic or at home. Some patients have to stay in hospital for treatment for close observation.
If the patient is suffering from lymphoma in the stomach caused Helicobactor infection, doctors may treat this lymphoma with antibiotics. When the infection is cured, the cancer can be treated.
Biological Therapy
People with certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma particular may have biological therapy to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer effectively.
Monoclonal antibodies used for lymphoma. These antibodies are proteins that bind to cancer cells to help the immune system kill lymphoma cells. Patients receive this treatment through a vein (venous), at the doctor's clinic or hospital.

Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cells non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This treatment can reduce the tumor and helps control pain.
Source :
http://www.parkwaycancercentre.com ; kanser-info.blogspot.com ; others

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