Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Awareness: Spreading Knowledge and Support
In modern society, cancer awareness has certainly grown to be more substantial. But non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) isn’t giving it the eye it deserves. Even though it is more severe than all other types of cancer that affect the immune system, it doesn’t get much awareness in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, spreading focus on the disease is important to ensure its well-timed detection and cure.Â
Understanding Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and its Differences from Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system of the body. As we all know, the lymphatic system, which has a crucial role in the body’s immune system, also affects immunity. The white blood cells in lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow, called lymphocytes, are the cause of this disease. Certain defects in these lymphocytes affect the overall functioning of the lymphatic system. Unlike Hodgkin lymphoma, which is caused by a defect in Reed-Sternberg cells,
The absence of Reed-Sternberg cells varies the diagnosis and treatment of NHL from Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is commonly characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in affected lymph nodes, which may be identified under a microscope. In contrast, NHL affects the lymphatic system, which increases the risk of curing.
Furthermore, NHL has a tendency to involve multiple lymph nodes or lymphatic tissues within the body, whereas Hodgkin lymphoma frequently starts off in a single lymph node or localized location before spreading to nearby lymph nodes. This difference in disease progression can influence treatment approaches and prognosis.
Recognizing the symptoms
Even though symptoms of NHL can vary widely according to the type and stages of the disease, there are several common signs that help identify the disease.Â
- Swollen lymph nodes: The most visible symptom is lumps under the skin. This can be felt while touching the skin, usually in areas like the neck, armpits, and pelvic regions.
- Fever: Some of the affected patients may have fevers that come and go.
- Night sweats: Without any physical activities or climate changes, excessive sweating at night can be considered a symptom. It might feel like soaking clothes and bedsheets in sweat.
- Unexpected weight loss: The drastic changes in weight without any diet or workouts is also the symptom. especially the weight loss of more than 10%.
- Persistent Itching: continuous itching of the skin without any allergies or dry skin can be the symptom.
Exploring the Types and Subtypes
NHL encompasses many types; over 60 subtypes are identified. However, it is mainly classified into two types: B-cell lymphomas and T-cell lymphomas. The B-cell lymphomas originate because of cancer caused by B lymphocytes, and the T-cell lymphomas are caused by abnormalities in T lymphocytes. Some of the most common subtypes include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. An accurate understanding of diagnosis and treatment planning should identify the main type of NHL. Also, each subtype has a very different approach to treatment and care.Â
Survival Rates and Prognosis
The survival rates may change according to the age of the affected person, the stage in which the disease identified, and the overall health condition of the patient. Additionally, finding the subtype of the NHL can be a factor in the survival rate. The disease can be curable with years of treatment and advancements in treatment options.
Treatment Options and Advances
The method of treatment may change according to the subtypes of the cancer. The treatment mostly requires a combination of different methods. Following are the major treatments used:
- Chemotherapy: drugs used to stop cancer growth and kill cancer cells. The chemotherapy can be advised orally or in an IV. This also merged with other treatment methods.
- Radiation therapy:Â destroying the cancer cells by using high-energy rays. Sometimes, it was used to shrink the tumors.
- Immunotherapy:Â This treatment makes the body’s immune system stronger, as it affects immunity. The method boosts immunity and develops natural defense.
- Targeted Therapy:Â The drugs developed for specific targets attack cancer cells. These drugs work by blocking the pathways or proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
Due to the new treatment advancements, the NHL treatment method has also improved. For example, CAR-T cell therapy is one of the best immunotherapies today. It is also giving new hope to patients.
Understanding the causes
The exact reason for the NHL is still untangled, but there are certain risk factors that can be identified. One of the important factors is age; the disease is more common in older adults. Additionally, patients who have less immunity, like HIV/AIDS patients, also have the chance to cause NHL. Environmental factors like chemicals and peptides may also play a part in the causes of NHL.Â
Spreading awareness and offering support
The disease can be overwhelming for patients, especially since most of them are old adults. The basic awareness of this type of cancer is very low compared to all other types. Raising awareness about the disease and its symptoms can empower individuals to get more medical attention and emotional support.
Health Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/adult-nhl-treatment-pdq
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/what-is-non-hodgkin-lymphoma.html
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/non-hodgkin-lymphoma.html
