Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects your body's immune system. Your immune system is like a network of organs, glands, tubes, and tiny defense cells (called lymph nodes) that work together to fight off infections. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma happens when some of these immune system cells start growing uncontrollably. This uncontrolled growth can create lumps called tumors in different parts of the body.

It's important to understand that non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a general category, and there are many specific types, or subtypes, within it. Two of the most common types are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. There's another type of lymphoma called Hodgkin lymphoma, which is different.

Medical advancements in diagnosing and treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma have led to better outcomes for people with this disease. This means that the chances of recovery and long-term health are improving.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause several noticeable changes in your body. These signs and symptoms might include:

• Swollen glands: You might notice lumps or swelling in your neck, under your arms, or in your groin area. These are lymph nodes, and swelling can be a sign of a problem.

• Belly issues: Pain or swelling in your stomach can also be a symptom.

• Chest problems: If you have chest pain, persistent coughing, or trouble breathing, it's important to see a doctor.

• Feeling constantly tired: Extreme fatigue that doesn't go away could be a sign something is wrong.

• Fever: A persistent fever, meaning a high temperature that lasts for a while, is another potential indicator.

• Night sweats: Sweating heavily at night, even when you're not warm, is another possible symptom.

• Unexpected weight loss: Losing weight without trying to lose it could be a warning sign.

If you experience any of these symptoms that are bothering you and don't go away, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. It's essential to get checked out by a medical professional if you have concerns about your health.

If you're experiencing any ongoing health problems that concern you, schedule a visit with your doctor.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that often has an unknown cause. It starts when the body's germ-fighting white blood cells, called lymphocytes, have changes in their DNA. DNA is like a set of instructions for the cell. Normally, DNA tells cells to grow and multiply at a specific rate, and to die at a specific time. But in cancer cells, the DNA instructions get messed up. These changed instructions tell the cancer cells to keep growing and dividing quickly, even when healthy cells would die off. This uncontrolled growth leads to too many cells building up.

In NHL, these abnormal cells usually collect in the lymph nodes, but they can also fill up other parts of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and organs that helps fight infection. NHL can affect these parts of the body:

• Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures throughout the body.
• Lymph vessels: Thin tubes that carry lymph fluid.
• Adenoids and tonsils: Located in the throat, these help fight off infections.
• Spleen: A large organ that filters blood.
• Thymus: An organ involved in immune system development.
• Bone marrow: The soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.
• Rarely, other parts of the body: Sometimes, the cancer can spread to parts of the body not directly connected to the lymphatic system.

Most often, NHL starts in a specific type of lymphocyte called a B cell. B cells are like the body's antibody factories, producing proteins that recognize and fight off invaders like bacteria and viruses. Several types of NHL start in B cells, including:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A common and often aggressive type.
• Follicular lymphoma: Usually grows more slowly than diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
• Mantle cell lymphoma: A type that tends to develop in the lymph nodes.
• Burkitt's lymphoma: A fast-growing type that can affect different parts of the body.

Less commonly, NHL starts in a different type of lymphocyte called a T cell. T cells directly attack foreign invaders. NHL in T cells includes:

• Peripheral T-cell lymphoma: A general term for various types that start in T cells.
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: A type that primarily affects the skin.

The type of treatment for NHL depends on whether the cancer started in a B cell or a T cell, and on the specific subtype.