Lymphoma is a collective term for malignant tumors of lymph nodes and/or lymphatic tissues outside of lymph nodes. Although its incidence is not as high as lung tumors and intestinal tumors, it is also increasing at a rate of 3%-5% per year in recent years. Since its tumors often occur in young adults, it is also one of the major diseases that seriously endanger human health. Through the exploration time in recent years, the treatment technology has made great progress, so that the efficacy of lymphoma has been greatly improved, making it a tumor that can be prevented, controlled, and more and more types of curable from the previous incurable. So, what are lymph nodes? Lymph nodes are immune tissues that are widely distributed throughout the body around superficial and deep viscera. They are found all over the body, and only superficial areas such as the neck, submandibular, supraclavicular fossa, armpit and groin can be touched. Its function is simply understood as the shield and “beacon” of human body, which is the defense and alarm device of human body. I. What is lymphoma? Lymph nodes can be affected by various pathogenic microbial infections, chemical drugs, foreign poisons, foreign bodies, and the body’s own metabolites, which can cause the proliferation of cellular components such as lymphocytes, resulting in the enlargement of lymph nodes, which is reactive. Lymphoma is the result of neoplastic proliferation of lymphocytes and their precursor cells in the lymph nodes and outside the nodes. It is a malignant tumor of the immune system that occurs in lymphatic tissue and is one of the first malignant tumors of the hematological system to be discovered. Lymphoma can be divided into two major categories: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for 9% to 10% of lymphomas in China, and is a group of malignant tumors with relatively good efficacy and high long-term survival rate. If treated scientifically in time, the 10-year survival rate can reach 70% to 80%, which means that the vast majority of patients can be cured. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is complicated and divided into many subtypes, and the treatment and cure rate of each subtype are different. 1. Lymph nodes in the neck or supraclavicular area, or lymph nodes in the armpit are gradually enlarged and do not feel painful (except for lymph node pain after drinking alcohol). 2.Pharyngeal lymphoma: difficulty in swallowing, nasal congestion, bleeding, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw. 3.Lymphoma of the chest: cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, etc. 4.Lymphoma of gastrointestinal tract: abdominal pain, diarrhea, and feeling of lump in the abdomen. 5. Systemic symptoms: fever, night sweats, emaciation, and itching for which no cause can be found. Staging of lymphoma The current medical community usually divides lymphoma into stages I-IV: Stage I – lesion is limited to one lymph node area (I) or one organ outside the lymph is locally involved by the lesion (IE). Stage II – 2 or more lymph node areas (II), or the lesion is limited to organs other than lymph nodes and more than 1 lymph node area ipsilateral to the transverse septum (II), or the lesion is limited to organs other than lymph nodes and more than 1 lymph node area ipsilateral to the transverse septum (IIE). Stage III – Lymph node lesions appear in the upper and lower sentences of the transverse septum (III). It may be accompanied by splenic involvement (IIISE). Stage IV – Widespread or three-star invasion of 1 or more organs other than the lymph nodes, accompanied by preferential unaccompanied enlargement of the lymph nodes. Stage IV is when there is enlargement of lymph nodes in the liver or bone marrow, or when the liver or bone marrow is involved by the lesion. The causes of lymphoma are extremely complex and certain risk factors will increase people’s risk of developing this disease, usually the risk factors of malignant lymphoma include the following. Immune dysfunction: Immune deficiency is one of the important causes of malignant lymphoma. Under normal circumstances, the body’s immune system has the function of immune surveillance, which can play a role in removing mutated or cancerous cells from the body. Immunodeficient patients are prone to opportunistic lymphoma infections. Infectious factors: Certain infections can increase the risk of developing lymphoma, such as certain viral and bacterial infections that increase the chances of developing the disease. Genetic factors: People with a family history of certain malignant diseases of the blood or lymphatic system have an increased risk of developing lymphoma. Other: Certain pesticides, harmful components and chemicals emitted from factories can also be one of the triggers for the development of lymphoma, such as certain pesticides, herbicides, fuels, oils, etc. Maintaining good living habits, timely treatment of certain chronic inflammatory diseases of the body, and improving the immune function of the body may not only reduce the incidence of lymphoma, but are also common principles for reducing the incidence of other malignant tumors. Reducing environmental pollution and exposure to harmful chemical substances are also among the preventive measures to reduce the chance of incidence.