The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that is tasked with several functions. It protects the body from diseases, absorbs fats from the digestive tract, and maintains body fluid levels. But some people develop cancer that infects the lymphocytes (infection-fighting cells) in the immune system. The disease, called lymphoma, triggers the abnormal growth of the lymphocytes. The mutation affects the lymphatic system and spreads to other parts of the body.

Types of lymphoma

The main subtypes include Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Both cancers infect different types of lymphocyte cells and trigger an uncontrollable growth of the white blood cells. The growth results in swollen lymph nodes and abnormal growths throughout the body. The other types of lymphoma include:

• Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The causes of lymphoma

The exact cause of the abnormal growth of white blood cells is still unknown. However, studies have indicated how the disease spreads. Lymphoma begins when a lymphocyte cell changes due to a genetic mutation. The mutation influences and infects other cells, causing them to multiply in great numbers. Furthermore, the mutation of the disease-fighting cells continues even after the normal healthy cells die. The spike in these infected lymphocytes can result in swellings in the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.

The risk factors

Health experts believe several risk factors can result in the mutation of lymphocytes. The factors considered by healthcare experts include:

Gender
Males are more likely to develop lymphoma; however, certain subtypes can affect females as well.

Age
The risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma is greater in adults in their sixties or older. People between the age group of 15-40 or those older than 55 may develop Hodgkin lymphoma.

Genetics
Having a relative who has been affected by lymphoma can increase the risk of the condition.

Complications in the immune system and from surgery
People with a weak immune system are at risk. Furthermore, those who have undergone an organ transplant or born with a genetic disease are also likely to develop lymphoma.

Immune system diseases
Individuals with an immune system disease, including Sjögren’s syndrome, celiac disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, may develop the mutation.

• Previous treatments
  Individuals previously treated for Hodgkin, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or cancer with radiation
• Chemical exposure
  Lymphoma mutations can occur after exposure to chemicals that exterminate bugs and weeds
• Virus infections
  People affected by viruses like hepatitis C, human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (HTLV-1), or Epstein-Barr are likely to develop the cell disorder

Signs of lymphoma

There are a couple of warning signs or symptoms of lymphoma. These warning signs may also be indications of other illnesses and must be diagnosed by a doctor immediately. In either case, here are signs to look out for:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of weight
• Itching of the body
• Coughing regularly
• Painless but noticeable swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit, groin, and neck
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating at night

Diagnoses

The doctor may ask a few questions before conducting any diagnostic tests. The questions address the patient’s current health condition, pains in the body, appetite, and if there is any weight loss. The doctor may also ask about any weakness, the latest medical history, the family’s medical history, and when these changes were first noticed. Once the information is recorded, the doctor may resort to these tests to diagnose lymphoma.

Physical examination
During the examination, the doctor checks for swollen lymph nodes in areas of the neck, groin, and underarm. The expert may also inspect the spleen or liver for swellings.

Blood test
A blood test helps identify the number of cells, other substances, and proof of infections in the blood.

Imaging tests
Imaging tests such as CT, positron emission tomography (PET), and MRI can help identify mutations in other body parts.

Bone marrow biopsy
The process includes using a needle to remove tissue or fluid from the bone marrow to identify mutated cells.

Treatment for lymphoma

The treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the condition. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplants, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy.

Support for lymphoma

Being diagnosed with lymphoma can be demotivating to many. Therefore, trying out the methods below may help one cope with the condition.

• Learning more about the condition to stay up-to-date and be aware of all the treatment options open
• Seeking emotional and practical support from family members and friends
• Indulging in alternative medicine like physical activity, meditation, acupuncture, massages, and art therapy
• Joining a support group in the area where other people with similar developments gather