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lymphoma
The difference between lymphoma and lymphatic cancer
Lymphoma is actually what we usually refer to as lymphatic cancer; they are in fact the same disease. When we talk about cancer, it generally refers to malignant tumors that occur in epithelial tissues, and we call them cancer, such as lung cancer, intestinal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, etc. Lymphoma, however, is also a type of malignant tumor, but it typically occurs in the lymph nodes, or malignant tumors of some extranodal tissues or organs, which we refer to as lymphoma. It's called differently simply because it arises from different locations and tissues; lymphoma is essentially what is commonly known as lymphatic cancer.
Early symptoms of lymphoma
Patients with early-stage lymphoma exhibit a variety of symptoms due to the different locations of tumor growth. Many patients initially present with a lump in the neck lymph nodes, which is generally painless and has a tough texture with good mobility. Additionally, some patients with early-stage lymphoma experience enlargement of the mediastinal lymph nodes, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In cases where the lymphoma occurs in the skin, early symptoms might include ulcers and skin peeling or other damaging skin changes. Lymphomas that develop in areas like the gastrointestinal tract or nasopharynx can present early symptoms related to the site of the primary lesion, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, or nasopharyngeal bleeding.
How many years do people generally live with lymphoma?
Lymphoma is categorized into two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The specific pathological classification of lymphoma is very complex, involving dozens of types. Differences in the pathological type and stage of the disease can significantly impact the prognosis, including variations in patient sensitivity to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and consequently, different survival periods. Patients with highly aggressive lymphomas typically have a poorer prognosis, while those with indolent lymphomas usually have a prolonged disease course and slow progression, leading to a longer survival period, sometimes spanning decades. Thus, the survival period varies greatly depending on the pathological type.
Causes of Malignant Lymphoma
Currently, the causes of lymphoma are not clear. It may be related to genetic mutations, infections, pathogens, or other viruses. Additionally, exposure to radiation or chemical drugs, and its association with autoimmune diseases, are also relevant factors. Clinically, there are specific types of lymphoma, such as mucosa-associated lymphoma related to the stomach lining, which is notably associated with Helicobacter pylori infections. Another type is related to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus.
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
Most lymphoma patients initially present with painless swelling of superficial lymph nodes. The first examination typically includes an ultrasound of these superficial lymph nodes. If the ultrasound suggests a high probability of malignancy, a lymph node excision biopsy can be performed. A lymph node excision biopsy and subsequent pathological confirmation is the gold standard for diagnosing lymphoma. Furthermore, it is common for lymphoma patients to undergo PET-CT scans, which are used to determine the stage at initial diagnosis and to assess the effectiveness of treatment after therapy.
Lymphoma occurs in which part?
Lymphoma can develop in many different parts of the body and lymph nodes, with the most common being the enlargement of superficial lymph nodes, such as those in the neck, armpits, and groin. The pharyngeal lymphatic ring, including places like the oropharynx, base of the tongue, and tonsils, also commonly exhibit lymph node enlargement in cases of lymphoma. Additionally, lymphoma frequently occurs in the nasal cavity and the mediastinum in the chest, as well as in the abdomen, including lymphomas of the gastrointestinal tract and primary lymphomas of the liver and spleen, and even the retroperitoneal mesentery and pelvic lymph nodes. The skin and bone marrow can also be primary sites for lymphoma. Thus, it can affect multiple parts of the body, with many areas being susceptible to lymphoma.
Malignant lymphoma chemotherapy regimen
The chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma, I personally don't think is very painful. Actually, lymphoma treatment nowadays not only includes chemotherapy but also targeted therapy and immunotherapy, so it is not very painful. Moreover, generally speaking, the common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor spirit, constipation, or diarrhea. In clinical practice, these symptoms can be controlled by using antiemetic, hepatoprotective, gastric protective, and cardioprotective drugs. Of course, another common side effect of lymphoma chemotherapy is bone marrow suppression, which can cause a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. However, if there is only a mild decrease, we can restore these levels with oral medication to increase white blood cells or injections to increase white blood cells and platelets. If the suppression is very severe, it could potentially be life-threatening. But strictly speaking, more than 95% of patients can tolerate chemotherapy.
Is lymphoma the same as lymphatic cancer?
Lymphoma refers to a type of malignant tumor that originates in lymph nodes or extranodal tissues or organs. The cancer we usually talk about refers to malignant tumors originating from epithelial tissues, which we call cancer, such as lung cancer, liver cancer, etc. Therefore, lymphoma is actually what non-medical professionals commonly refer to as lymphatic cancer. It is simply called lymphoma instead of cancer because it originates in lymph nodes or extranodal tissues or organs, and therefore, it is termed malignant lymphoma, which in layman's terms is lymphatic cancer.
Lymphoma registration: which department?
Patients diagnosed with lymphoma can register under the departments of Hematology or Oncology, as both departments can administer chemotherapy. However, radiation therapy can only be conducted in the Oncology department. Each hospital may have slightly different categorizations for departments and diseases. However, for a patient initially presenting with lymphoma, who has not yet been diagnosed and primarily shows symptoms of painless lymph node enlargement, they can register under General Surgery. After completing necessary examinations like an ultrasound, if lymphoma is suspected, a lymph node excision biopsy is usually performed in General Surgery.
Is lymphoma contagious?
Lymphoma is not contagious, as it is not an infectious disease but a tumoral disease. Therefore, it is not contagious, and when seeking medical treatment for lymphoma, patients do not go to the department of infectious diseases. Typically, treatment is conducted in the oncology department or in the hematology department specializing in lymphoma. Thus, lymphoma is not contagious because it is not caused by an infectious pathogen. It is a solid tumor that is tangible and visible.