Lymphoma
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system.
It affects lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that help fight infections.
The lymphatic system includes:
Lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin)
Spleen
Thymus
Bone marrow
Main Types of Lymphoma
🔹 1. Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)
🔹 2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
Common Symptoms
Painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin)
Persistent fever
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Itching
Shortness of breath (if chest nodes enlarged)
⚠️ Swollen lymph nodes that persist for more than 2–3 weeks should be evaluated.
Risk Factors
Weak immune system
Autoimmune diseases
Certain infections (EBV, HIV, H. pylori)
Family history
Exposure to certain chemicals
Increasing age (varies by type)
Diagnosis
Physical examination
Lymph node biopsy (confirmatory test)
Blood tests
PET-CT scan
Bone marrow biopsy (if needed)
Stages of Lymphoma
Stage 1: Single lymph node area
Stage 2: Multiple nodes on same side of diaphragm
Stage 3: Nodes on both sides of diaphragm
Stage 4: Spread to organs (liver, bone marrow, lungs)
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on type and stage:
🔹 Chemotherapy
Main treatment
🔹 Immunotherapy
Common in many lymphomas