In the human body there are not only blood vessels, but also the so-called "white" vessels. They were known for a long time, and in the middle of the 18th century, knowledge of the lymphatic system became more extensive. Unfortunately, lymphoproliferative diseases are often found , and they can occur in any organ.
Lymphatic system
It plays a rather important role in the functioning of a person: thanks to the lymphatic system, nutrients are transported and excess interstitial fluid is removed. Another important ability is the provision of immunity. The fluid that performs these tasks is called lymph. It has a transparent color, lymphocytes predominate in the composition. The smallest structural unit of the system are capillaries. They pass into the vessels, which are both intraorganic and extraorganic. Their structure also includes valves, which prevent the reverse flow of fluid. The largest lymphatic vessels are called collectors. It is in them that fluid accumulates from internal organs and other large parts of the body. Another component that the lymphatic system has (the photo is located below) is the nodes. These are round formations that have different diameters (from half a millimeter to 5 centimeters). They are located in groups on the way of blood vessels. The main function is lymph filtration. It is here that it is cleaned of harmful microorganisms.
Lymphatic organs
The following organs are also part of the human lymphatic system: tonsils, thymus gland (thymus), spleen, bone marrow. The lymphocytes that form in the thymus are called T cells. Their feature is the continuous circulation between lymph and blood. Particles that form in the bone marrow are called B cells. Both types after maturation are carried throughout the body. B cells remain in the lymphoid organs. On this their migration stops. In the abdominal cavity, another large organ, which is an integral part of the lymphatic system, is located - this is the spleen. It consists of two parts, one of them (white pulp) generates antibodies.
Lymphoproliferative disease. What it is
This group of diseases is basically the proliferation of lymphocytes. If changes occur in the bone marrow, the term "leukemia" is used. Tumors of the lymphatic system that occur in tissue outside the bone marrow are called lymphomas. According to statistics, most often such diseases occur in older patients. In men, this diagnosis is more common than in women. For this disease, a focus of cells is characteristic, which over time begins to grow. Allocate a low, medium and high degree, which characterizes the malignancy of the process.
Possible causes
Among the reasons that can cause lympho-proliferative diseases, a specific group of viruses is isolated. Also, the heredity factor plays an important role. Skin diseases that last a considerable time (for example, psoriasis) can trigger the growth of malignant neoplasms. And, of course, radiation significantly affects this process. Radiation, some allergens, toxic substances activate the process of cell growth.
Lymphomas Diagnostics
One of the types of malignant neoplasms of the lymphatic system is lymphoma. Symptoms in the initial stages may not be very pronounced.
There is an increase in lymph nodes that are not painful. Another striking sign is fatigue, and to a rather large extent. The patient may complain of excessive sweating at night, a significant and sharp loss of body weight. Itching and red spots are also possible . Body temperature sometimes rises, especially in the evenings. Such symptoms should be alert if they do not disappear after a few weeks. For effective treatment, it is very important to determine the type of lymphoma. When diagnosing, take into account the location, appearance of the tumor, the type of protein that is on its surface. The specialist prescribes a complete medical examination, a blood test for cancer cells, and diagnostics of the internal organs. For greater information, a biopsy is necessary. Under the microscope, the affected cells have a specific appearance.
Lymphoma treatment
The treatment methods for this disease are as follows. To destroy the neoplasm, chemotherapy or radiotherapy (using x-rays) is used. A combination of drugs is used, they are distributed in the body and can also destroy those cells that could not be diagnosed. After chemotherapy, the bone marrow is also affected, so it may be necessary to transplant it. It is carried out both from the material of the donor, and directly from the patient’s own bone marrow (it is preliminarily removed before the procedure begins). Lymphoproliferative diseases lend themselves to biological therapy, but it is mainly experimental in nature. It is based on the use of substances that are synthesized from the patient’s cells. To achieve a good result, it is necessary to carefully follow the instructions of the attending physician, take the drugs on time, pay due attention to nutrition.
Leukemia Clinical picture
The disease is characterized by a change in hematopoietic cells, in which healthy elements of the bone marrow are replaced by the affected ones. Blood levels of lymphocytes increase significantly. Depending on which cells were regenerated, the disease produces lymphocytic leukemia (changes in lymphocytes), myelogenous leukemia (myelocytes are affected). You can determine the type of disease under a microscope and protein analysis. Lymphoproliferative disease (what it is, was described above) has in this case two forms of course: chronic and acute. The latter is quite difficult. In this case, immediate treatment is necessary, since the cells are immature and are not able to perform their functions. The chronic form can last for many years.
Chronic lymphoproliferative diseases
In older people, chronic lymphocytic leukemia is often diagnosed. The disease proceeds rather slowly, and only in the later stages are disturbances in the process of blood formation observed. Symptoms include an increase in lymph nodes and spleen, frequent infectious diseases, weight loss, sweating. Often, such lymphoproliferative diseases are detected by chance.
Three stages of the disease are distinguished: A, B, C. At the first, 1-2
lymph nodes are affected
, at the second - 3 or more, but there is no anemia and thrombocytopenia. At the third state data are observed. In the early stages, experts do not recommend conducting therapy, as a person maintains his usual way of life. It is important to observe the regimen of the day, the doctor can give advice on nutrition. General strengthening therapy is carried out. Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia must begin when signs of progression are detected. It includes chemotherapy, radiation treatment, stem cell transplantation. With rapid organ growth, removal of the spleen may be necessary.