Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma cancer or lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, thymus gland, spleen and bone marrow). American Cancer Society says there are two types of lymphoma, namely Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. 

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system in which the tumor develops from a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes (either T cells or B-cells). Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is much more common that Hodgkin's disease. 

While Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system characterized by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cells (giant cells are usually derived from B lymphocytes).

 Cause 

Scientists do not know exactly what causes lymphoma, but has identified several potential risk factors, namely genetics (inherited from family members) and are often exposed to carcinogens such as certain pesticides, herbicides and solvents such as benzene, some hair dye and free radicals. 

Symptoms

 Patients with Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, abdominal pain or swelling, night sweats, fever and chronic fatigue. Some individuals also experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, extremely itchy skin, loss of appetite. 

Treatment 

If the lymphoma is likely to grow slowly, your doctor may suggest to wait and see approach before deciding on a treatment plan development. In this case, cancer therapy can sometimes be delayed for at least one year. 

In most cases of Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkins, treatment options are chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant requires (stem cell).