Is lymphoma a type of cancer?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Cancer refers to malignant tumors. Tumors are classified into benign and malignant types, with the malignant ones commonly referred to as cancer. Often discussed are those originating from epithelial cells, termed carcinomas, such as lung cancer and breast cancer. However, there are special types such as those originating from mesenchymal tissue, called sarcomas, including synovial sarcoma and osteosarcoma, which are also malignant tumors and belong to cancer. Lymphoma, a malignant tumor originating from lymph nodes or extranodal tissues or organs, is also classified as cancer.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Causes of Malignant Lymphoma

The causes of malignant lymphoma are the result of multiple factors. First, it is associated with infections by bacteria or viruses, such as the well-documented chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori, which is closely related to the occurrence of lymphoma associated with the gastric mucosa. Second, immunodeficiency conditions, like in AIDS patients or those who have been taking immunosuppressive drugs for a long period, have a higher likelihood of developing malignant lymphoma compared to the general population. Third, chemical or physical factors, such as environmental carcinogens and electromagnetic radiation, can also lead to malignant lymphoma. Other factors, such as long-term use of certain drugs like phenytoin or pseudoephedrine, and a genetic predisposition, can also be causes of malignant lymphoma.

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Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
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Which department do you go to for lymphoma?

If a lump is found on the neck and lymphoma is suspected, the first step is to consult with the head and neck surgery department. The lymphoma lesion will be surgically removed by the department, and then sent for a pathological examination. If lymphoma is confirmed, the next steps involve treatment by the oncology department, hematology department, or radiation therapy department.

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Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
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Early symptoms of lymphoma

The early symptoms of lymphoma involve the painless enlargement of both superficial and deep lymph nodes, most commonly located in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Of course, lymphoma also presents with systemic symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, and skin itching. Since lymphoma commonly occurs in the neck, armpits, and groin, if it develops in other areas, such as the lungs or elsewhere, it may cause respiratory symptoms, including coughing, expectoration, and shortness of breath.

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Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
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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.

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Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
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What are the symptoms of lymphoma?

The symptoms of lymphoma usually involve painless, progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, typically located in areas like the neck, under the jaw, and below the chin. However, beyond these localized symptoms, lymphoma can also present with systemic symptoms, which include fever, night sweats, weight loss, as well as rashes and itching skin. Thus, lymphoma encompasses both local and systemic symptoms.