lymphoma symptoms | Symptoms of lymphoma

Symptoms of lymphoma

Tumors
Summary of the article
Definition
The most common symptoms and signs *
Additional Information
Related Articles: lymphoma

Definition
Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant tumours that come from cells of the reticulo-endothelial and lymphatic systems. The main forms are Hodgkin's lymphoma and not Hodgkin.

The causes of lymphoma are unknown, although there is evidence that suggests genetic and environmental associations (for example. Exposure to certain chemicals, treatment with anti-rejection drugs after organ transplant, Epstein-Barr viral infections and HIV). The risk factors are immune deficiency and some autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

Additional Information
The signs and symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma they include swollen lymph nodes not painful, sometimes accompanied by fever, profuse nocturnal sweats, weight loss, persistent itching throughout the body, Splenomegaly and Hepatomegaly. Wasting is common with the progression of the disease. Local compression by tumor masses often causes jaundice (for bile duct obstruction), lower limb edema, severe dyspnea, wheezing and pulmonary abscesses. The majority of patients also develop a gradual deficiency of immunity that contributes to the onset of infection in the advanced stages of the disease. Often, death was caused by sepsis.

Symptoms of lymphoma
Among the most common signs of non-Hodgkin occurrence, instead, there is an asymptomatic peripheral lymphadenopathy. In comparison with Hodgkin's lymphoma, there is a greater chance that there will be a disease disseminated at the time of diagnosis (due to transformed circulating lymphocytes). Symptoms associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and hypercalcemia. In the abdomen, the disease can cause swelling and swelling of the affected organs (for example. Spleen or stomach), with nausea and early satiety. If lymphoma involving the chest, however, you may experience chest pain and breathing difficulties.

The diagnosis of lymphoma can be obtained with lymph node biopsies and bone marrow. A series of laboratory diagnostic analyses (blood tests), Ultrasound, CT and PET are used to define the spread and aggression of the disease, and then determine the most appropriate treatment protocol.

Hodgkin's lymphoma usually has a more favorable prognosis. The treatment includes chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy. Transplant stem cells it is generally reserved as a treatment in case of incomplete remission or relapse.

Non-Hodgkin's, on the contrary, being a more heterogeneous disease, it needs a treatment, as much as possible  "targeted "; In general, the quality of care involves the use of chemotherapy in combination with the monoclonal antibody rituximab (chemotherapy).