Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 7/15/2022
Doctor's Notes on Lymphoma (Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma)
Lymphoma is a type of cancer of the cells of the immune system. Lymphomas are broadly divided into two groups: Hodgkin lymphomas (Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or NHL. Within these categories there are many different subtypes of lymphomas that differ in their behavior and response to treatment. The cause of lymphoma is not completely understood. It is likely that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development.
Symptoms and signs of lymphoma can include enlargement of the lymph nodes anywhere in the body. This enlargement (often referred to as swollen glands) is usually painless. In some cases, other associated symptoms and signs can occur, including
- fevers,
- night sweats,
- fatigue,
- weight loss,
- chest pain or pressure,
- abdominal swelling,
- shortness of breath, and
- weakness.
What Is the Treatment of Lymphoma?
The treatment of lymphoma is dependent on the exact type of lymphoma that is present. Laboratory tests to determine the presence of specific markers on the cancer cells can classify the type of lymphoma. In general, treatments may include the following:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy using antibodies that target lymphoma cells
- Targeted therapy, which uses drugs developed to target specific molecular abnormalities identified in the cancer cells
- Stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant), using your own cells or donor cells
- CAR-T therapy, which engineers your own T cells to fight the cancer
- Surveillance, for certain slow-growing lymphomas
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Bone Marrow Biopsy
A bone marrow biopsy is performed for any of the following reasons: to evaluate bone marrow function or to determine the cause of some infections; diagnose tumors; determine how far a disease, such as lymphoma, has progressed; and to evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy or other bone marrow active drugs. -
Cancer: What You Need to Know
Cancer is a common and deadly disease, and it's surrounded by myths. There are certain basics a patient needs to know when they're confronted with a cancer diagnosis; everything from clinical facts and practices to learning how to navigate the health insurance bureaucracy. -
Common Cancer Symptoms
Most symptoms and signs of cancer may also be explained by harmless conditions, so it's important to limit one's risk factors and undergo appropriate cancer screening. Common cancer symptoms and signs are a change in bowel habits or urination, persistent cough, blood in the stool, urine, or saliva, lump in the breast or testicle, hoarseness, swollen glands, a change in a wart or mole, unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and headaches. -
CT Scan (CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography)
What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography scans (CT scans) are important diagnostic tools for a variety of medical conditions. Some areas of the body frequently evaluated by CT scans include the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses. The CT scan process uses X-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body. -
Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)
Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) is generally caused by another condition such as cancers, bacterial or viral infections, immune disorders, and blood disorders. The most common symptom of an enlarged spleen is abdominal pain and bloating. Treatment for an enarged spleen is targeted toward the cause. -
Epstein-Barr Virus (EPV)
The Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis and has also been linked to certain lymphomas and nasopharyngeal cancer. Mono symptoms include sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes and occasionally appetite loss, fatigue, chills, headaches, and sweats. Over-the-counter pain medicines, fluids, and rest are recommended to treat mono. -
H. pylori Infection (Helicobacter Pylori)
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are bacteria that cause widespread infection. H. pylori may cause symptoms such as inflammation of the stomach and duodenum, ulcers, upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and severe bleeding in the GI tract. However, H. pylori infection may cause no symptoms at all. H. pylori infection may be caused by unsanitary conditions, and is spread by saliva. Treatment includes medications. -
Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B)
Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B) is a liver disease that spreads via blood, semen, saliva, broken skin around the mouth, genitals, or rectum. Read about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. -
Hepatitis C (HCV, Hep C)
Hepatitis C (HCV, Hep C) is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection of the HCV virus, typically spread through blood contact. Learn about symptoms, prevention, and treatment. -
HIV and AIDS
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. Symptoms and signs of HIV infection include fever, headache, tiredness, and enlarged lymph nodes. Infections that happen with AIDS are called opportunistic infections. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Treatment usually involves a combination of at least three drugs to suppress the virus from replicating and boost the immune system. -
Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is an infection most frequently caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. Treatment incorporates plenty of rest, fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for at least one month after the onset of symptoms to avoid rupturing the spleen. -
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a less invasive form of surgery where surgeons make tiny incisions and insert tiny instruments and a camera into the incision to view internal organs and repair or remove tissue. Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery may have quicker recovery times and experience less trauma to the body. -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that takes cross-sectional images of the body. It is used to evaluate tissues of the head, neck, chest, limbs, abdomen, and pelvis. MRI is a very safe procedure; sedation may be used for infants, small children, or adults who are claustrophobic. -
Night Sweats (in Men and Women)
Night sweats refer to excess sweating occurring during the night. Causes include menopause, infections such as TB, appendicitis and diverticulitis, cancer; medications like aspirin, other NSAIDs, and antidepressants, diabetes, low testosterone, and hormone disorders. Depending on the cause, in addition to sweating at night, symptoms may include flushing, fever, or chills. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. -
X-Rays
X-Rays are a form of radiation used to image solid forms inside the body. X-rays are administered by radiologists for many different routine tests, such as mammograms, checking for broken bones, upper GI series, and dental exams, among others. Radiologists carefully monitor the X-ray equipment to make sure the patient receives the smallest dose of radiation possible.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.