What is lymphoma? This is a type of cancer of the blood. Unfortunately, the number of oncological diseases has now increased significantly. What caused this is not known for certain. For several centuries, scientists around the world have been working to invent cures for cancer. However, only a small number of patients are able to completely defeat this disease so far.
But research does not stand still. Earlier in the diagnosis of lymphoma, the prognosis given by doctors was bleak. Patients lived no more than 1-3 years, depending on the personality of the organism. Now the chances of survival are much greater, many patients have a fairly long remission (about 10 years).
Lymphoma (what kind of disease is described in detail below) can affect any organ that is associated with the lymphatic system. This is the spleen responsible for cleansing the blood, tonsils that protect against infection, bone marrow, thymus, etc. The focus of inflammation can expand significantly, since almost all internal organs contain lymphatic tissues.
So, we will familiarize ourselves in more detail with this disease, its symptoms and methods of diagnosis. Also in the article we will consider some of the most common types of lymphomas.
What is lymphoma: a general concept
One of the varieties of hematological diseases is lymphoma. It is formed in the lymphatic tissue, expressed as a characteristic swelling. With such a tumor, white bodies mutate and begin to develop rapidly. Lymphocytes become immortal, which leads to their accumulation. They gradually displace all blood cells. This, in turn, affects the work of all internal organs. A patient with lymphoma immediately feels lethargic and quickly tires. The first symptoms in these patients may be enlarged lymph nodes, but they are not necessarily painful. During the disease, their various groups are involved:
- inguinal;
- cervical;
- axillary.
Lymphoma, in contrast to solid tumors, is capable not only of metastasis, but also of spreading throughout the body, forming several inflammatory foci. This process is carried out in the bloodstream and tissues of the lymphatic system.
Lymphoma - what is this disease? Immediately worth noting her cunning. Some of its species are capable of completely asymptomatic in the initial stages, and this leads to the loss of valuable time, during which the disease can be almost completely defeated. In medicine, this cancerous tumor is divided into two types: non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and lymphogranulomatosis. Below we describe in more detail each of them.
Classification
Malignant lymphomas, however, like other types of cancerous tumors, are divided into stages. This classification allows doctors to accurately determine the degree of damage. Also, this information is the basis for the development of complex treatment, it is the stage that the methods of combating lymphoma and the prescribed drugs will depend on.
As a rule, the effect on the tumor at the beginning of development differs significantly from those methods that are used with advanced forms. The first and second stages are considered local, that is, the disease has not yet spread throughout the body, and has a primary tumor focus. The third and fourth are characterized by the formation of metastases and dissemination. They are conditionally called common. It is worth noting that the treatment at these stages is rather difficult, and the percentage of patients who enter a long-term remission is very small, so it is recommended that you do not delay the treatment in any case if you are diagnosed with lymphoma. Chemotherapy is the only method to combat cancerous tumors in the fourth stage; others are no longer able to give positive results.
The initial stages of the disease are classified using the letters:
- A - course without characteristic symptoms.
- B - is accompanied by a sharp loss of weight, causeless fever and profuse sweating, which manifests itself at night.
Stages and their description
This is the beginning of the tumor development process. As a rule, at this time, the disease is expressed by one inflammatory focus, which involves only one region of the lymph nodes. When diagnosing at this stage, gentle treatment is prescribed, which gives a chance for survival of almost 80% of patients.
At this stage of development, stage 2 lymphoma can form more than two tumor foci that involve several areas of the lymph nodes, however, the disease does not extend beyond the chest or abdominal cavity, depending on where the primary tumor was located. At this stage, the tumor is effectively treated.
At this time, there is a rapid development of cancer cells that spread throughout the body. Almost all lymph nodes are infected, which is expressed by a characteristic swelling. Its size increases depending on the accumulation of affected lymphocytes. Unfortunately, only 20% of patients achieve stable remission at this stage.
The internal organs, such as the spleen, heart, kidneys and others, are involved in the process. The tumor can also spread to the bone marrow, therefore, during the examination, a puncture is always taken in order to assess the degree of damage. In addition to these complications, the fourth stage is characterized by the formation of metastases. It is almost impossible to achieve remission with this form of the disease.
Pronounced symptoms of lymphoma
After perceiving the above information, it is not difficult to understand what lymphoma is, but now you need to deal with the symptoms that may serve as the first bell warning of danger. We immediately draw attention to the fact that the signs of the disease can vary depending on the type and location of the tumor.
The first danger is that the initial symptoms are very similar to a common cold. This is an elevated temperature of 37 degrees, headache, body aches, weakness. In such a situation, the decisive factor is time: if the symptoms persist within 2-3 weeks, then you need to consult a hematologist.
The process of determining the tumor itself is quite complicated. It, unlike other similar diseases, can have a hidden form, so it is recommended to use computed tomography.
The most striking sign of lymphoma is an increase in lymph nodes. As a rule, this is accompanied by painful sensations, discomfort and fever. If the tumor develops in the abdominal cavity, then stool disturbance, nausea, vomiting and bloating are often observed. Patients over the age of 40 years have swelling of the extremities.
So, we highlight the most common symptoms of lymphoma:
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- fever;
- sweating
- fatigue;
- headache;
- fast fatiguability;
- weight loss;
- itching
- tonsillitis;
- dyspnea;
- prolonged cough.
Unfortunately, all these symptoms are also characteristic of other types of diseases, so their presence cannot clearly indicate the occurrence of lymphoma. When such signs appear, seek qualified help.
Diagnosis: methods for determining lymphoma
What is the meaning of the diagnosis of lymphoma? First of all, this is a consultation with a doctor. He conducts an examination and, depending on its results, appoints the necessary tests and a subsequent examination. A prerequisite is blood donation for clinical and biochemical studies. By the ratio of the corresponding cells in it, the doctor suggests a possible diagnosis. A biopsy is prescribed to confirm it. The analysis is taken using surgical intervention, during which the tissue of the affected lymph node is removed for further study.
At a certain stage of lymphoma, a radiation diagnosis is prescribed, which allows you to determine the hidden places damaged by the tumor. As a rule, the accuracy of the diagnosis is impossible without a bone marrow examination, this allows you to determine how much the disease has spread. There are additional examination methods, such as immunophenotyping, molecular genetic and cytogenetic studies.
Lymphoma treatment
There are various treatment methods that are developed depending on the type of tumor, the stage of its development and the general condition of the patient. Unfortunately, almost all drugs currently used in practice are a kind of poison that affects not only cancer cells, but also vital organs. Consider the treatment methods depending on the types of the disease.
- Aggressive lymphomas. If this type of tumor is detected, treatment should be started immediately, since it can rapidly spread throughout the body. After confirming the diagnosis, the CHOP program is most often used, combining it with the Rituximab antibody.
- Highly aggressive lymphomas. For these species, strict chemotherapy programs are used, for example, such as with lymphoblastic leukemia. In this case, the goal of doctors is the complete destruction of cancerous tumors, but the percentage of survival is significantly reduced. A positive prognosis can be given only if stage 2 lymphoma is detected, at the 3rd and 4th doctors can not guarantee the final result, since it is impossible to assume how the body will respond to this treatment.
- Indolent lymphomas. The treatment methods for this type of neoplasm are individual in each individual case. There are tumors that do not need treatment. However, it is necessary to be under constant medical supervision in order to immediately notice the onset of progression. In these cases, electro-radiation therapy (radiation) is often used. This method allows you to act on the tumor locally, without affecting other organs. Unfortunately, lymphomas cannot be completely cured, so all the efforts of doctors are aimed at improving the patient's condition.
Cerebral lymphoma
Brain lymphoma can be primary and secondary. In the first case, the localization of the focus begins with this site, in the second - the infection spread from the lymph nodes or tissue.
The primary tumor is quite rare, but almost all people, even infants, are at risk. Such lymphoma has the form of nodules, which eventually begin to spread metastases to the soft tissues.
The secondary form of the disease is significantly different from the primary. As a rule, there is only one tumor focus, but it can grow to very large sizes. Secondary lymphoma is practically not located with metastasis, this indicator does not exceed 7%.
Lymphoma (prognosis encourages the fight against the disease) is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- severe headache;
- nausea and vomiting;
- nosebleeds.
In medicine, cases have been recorded when patients with brain lymphoma were diagnosed with epilepsy.
It is worth noting that the secondary form can be completely asymptomatic, therefore it is sometimes quite difficult to determine this disease with a 100% probability.
Surgical removal of brain lymphoma is possible, but no doctor can guarantee a successful end result. Statistics show that only half of patients with this disease got a chance for prolonged remission.
Large cell lymphoma
Large cell lymphomas come in several forms:
- diffuse;
- mediastinal;
- large-cell;
- anaplastic.
The danger of this form is that all normal bone marrow cells are displaced by abnormal ones, which have lost the ability to degenerate and die. As a result, red blood cell and platelet counts are rapidly decreasing, and this leads to oxygen starvation and severe internal bleeding. Large-cell lymphoma has the ability to rapidly spread throughout the body. First, the lymph nodes, thyroid and salivary glands, brain tissue and bones are involved. After this, the process spreads to the liver, kidneys and lungs, and this leads to a rapid deterioration in the patient’s well-being. Rapid progression begins in the third stage. Only chemotherapy can be the only treatment.
Diffuse large cell lymphoma
Diffuse lymphoma is aggressive. Its feature is a violation of the normal functioning of cells that are responsible for the search for infected or foreign bodies. Due to the fact that this type of lymphoma can be localized in any tissues, carefully masking, lymphocytes and B cells are unable to independently detect the virus and transmit a signal to the immune system.
It is not difficult to detect diffuse lymphoma. First of all, enlarged lymph nodes are easily felt when pressed with your fingers. Also, during radiography and ultrasound, you can freely see the tumor focus.
Symptoms of this lymphoma are practically no different from other types. This is a slight increase in temperature, a sharp weight loss and during sweating profuse sweating.
Diffuse large cell lymphoma can develop as an independent disease or as a secondary one (the result of exposure to other types of cancerous tumors). It was noted that with progression it rapidly develops, however, it responds positively to treatment.
Features of the disease
Blood lymphoma is currently thoroughly studied. It is precisely established that the cause of its occurrence is radiation exposure and carcinogen poisoning. The probability of a hereditary predisposition of patients is not excluded. Also at risk are those people who abuse alcohol, smokers with experience and those who have chronic hematologic diseases.
Recently, blood lymphoma is diagnosed quite often, while in both adults and children. If you start timely treatment, then the probability of recovery reaches 70%. At the third and fourth stages, remission is considered a good result, the duration of which is 5-7 years. However, the occurrence of relapses cannot be completely ruled out, and their number directly affects the length of life.
What is Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Lymphogranulomatosis was first described in 1832 by the scientist T. Hodgkin. The disease is indiscriminate, people at all ages are at risk, but there is a tendency: men are sick twice as often as women. A few decades ago, Hodgkin's lymphoma was considered an incurable disease. Currently, thanks to the research of scientists around the world, patients have a chance to survive. However, the experience and professionalism of the attending physician play an important role. The main thing is to correctly and timely diagnose a tumor, and also apply a method of influencing pathologically altered areas. It is worth distinguishing four stages of Hodgkin's lymphoma, the determination of which plays an important role during the choice of treatment methods.
Symptoms and signs of the disease are similar to other types. Very often accompanied by anemia, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, bleeding. About 30% of patients complain of constant itching and characteristic redness of the skin.
Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment
Pathological changes can be suspected already during a routine preventive examination. If a blood test shows a high white blood cell count, then it is necessary to continue the examination. It is worth noting that, starting from the third stage, their concentration level gradually decreases. Confirmation of the diagnosis includes a comprehensive study, that is, tomography, biopsy, puncture, radiography.
Important: maximum success can only be achieved with timely diagnosis of a disease such as Hodgkin's lymphoma.
How many patients live with this type of disease? These indicators are quite individual. If treatment is started in the first stages, then there is a high probability of achieving positive results. The struggle in the third stage is somewhat complicated, and the chances become 50x50. The most severe case is the neglected form, which is characterized by metastases and several tumor foci.
The main thing is to achieve long-term remission during therapy and try to completely exclude the possibility of new relapses. This is one of the most important criteria in the treatment of a disease such as Hodgkin's lymphoma. How many patients live with this diagnosis? This will largely depend on their lifestyle, therefore it is recommended to adhere to the correct daily routine and diet, it is advisable to completely abandon too active a rhythm in favor of a measured one.