Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer wherein there is an unregulated production of a kind of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These abnormal lymphocytes, instead of undergoing destruction by the body’s auto-correct mechanisms, persist in the body and are deposited in glands called lymph nodes in various parts of the body.
What are the types of Lymphoma?
Although there are more than 200 sub-types of Lymphoma, the standard way of classifying Lymphoma depends on the actual type of white blood cell, which is overproduced. The first subtype that needs to be determined in Lymphoma is whether it is a Hodgkins or a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL). NHL is further subdivided into B or T sub-type and low-grade activity or high-grade activity. The reason for such extensive subtyping is that the treatment protocol, use of targeted therapies and prognosis depends on the exact subtype allowing the oncologist to personalize treatment.
What are the symptoms of Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer which evolves over a few weeks to months. So the patient’s with Lymphoma usually present with non-specific complaints like weakness, unintentional weight loss (>10% body weight over six months), loss of appetite, evening rise of temperature. Another common presentation is unexplained lumps in the neck, under the armpit region and groin region.
