Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is a malignant tumor (cancer) originating from the lymphatic system. It manifests as uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal lymphoma cells in lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, spleen, etc.) and non-lymphoid organs, leading to enlargement of lymph nodes, destruction of organ structures and leading to compression and obstruction of adjacent organs with systemic symptoms, etc.
What kind of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma do I belong to?
According to the 2008 WHO lymphoma classification system, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is divided into B-cell and T/NK cell lines, and each cell line is further divided into precursor and mature cells. The pathological classification system of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is complex, and it is often clinically classified into 3 types according to its malignancy: inert, aggressive and highly aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Its incidence?
Overall, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the most common hematologic tumor, with approximately 2 in 100,000 people suffering from the disease, and is relatively common in economically developed areas, most commonly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
Who can have this disease?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can occur in people of any age, as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a complex group of diseases with a wide variation in the susceptibility of each subtype.
What are its causes?
The cause of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not known, but it is thought that certain factors may cause disruption of the genes that control normal hematopoiesis. It is thought that Hodgkin’s lymphoma is mainly associated with acquired or congenital immune deficiencies, such as AIDS, immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation; and infectious factors, such as Helicobacter pylori and EBV infection.
What are its symptoms?
1. painless superficial lymph node enlargement.
2.symptoms caused by swollen lymph nodes compressing and obstructing adjacent organs, such as dyspnea, chest pain, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, etc.
3. systemic symptoms, manifested as fever, night sweats, and wasting, etc.
4.Organ metastasis, metastasis to bones, lungs, liver, bone marrow, causing corresponding symptoms, etc.
How to treat?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a complex group of diseases, and its treatment mainly depends on the pathological type, disease stage, prognostic factors and health status. Clinically, they are generally classified into inert, aggressive and highly aggressive lymphomas, and the general treatment principles are
Inert lymphoma: early stage patients can be treated by a combination of radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy; while patients with advanced stage, because they are incurable, are usually clinically considered to be feasible for chemotherapy-based combination therapy when there are systemic symptoms, progressive enlargement of lymph nodes, hematocrit, and tumor-related symptoms, but if there are no above factors, regular follow-up observation can be considered and treatment will only be performed when there is disease progression.
Aggressive and highly aggressive lymphoma: Because the tumor progresses rapidly, and, some of them are curable, aggressive chemotherapy-based combination therapy is required.
What is the efficacy of treatment?
The efficacy of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends on its pathological subtype, age, international prognostic index and health status.
What are the side effects of treatment?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a curable tumor. Long-term complications after receiving radiation and chemotherapy are more common compared to other tumors, mainly in the form of second tumors, reproductive function, endocrine function, cardiac insufficiency and pulmonary fibrosis. Acute complications are mainly myelosuppression, which often occurs within a week of chemotherapy, and its recovery takes some time. During this period, patients usually need to receive adequate supportive treatment, such as the use of laminar bed isolation, leukocyte-raising therapy, antibiotic therapy and blood transfusion.
What is the regular follow-up after treatment?
After treatment, patients must return to the hospital for regular follow-up examinations to see if the tumor has returned and to inform the attending physician of any symptoms that occurred during the follow-up period.