Lymphomas

What is lymphoma?

Lymphomas are cancers that affect the lymphatic system and arise when developing lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) undergo a malignant change and multiply in an uncontrolled way.

Increasing numbers of abnormal lymphocytes, called lymphoma cells, accumulate and form collections of cancer cells (tumours) in lymph nodes (glands) and other parts of the body. Over time, lymphoma cells replace normal lymphocytes, weakening the immune system's ability to fight infection.

Types of lymphomas

There are many different types of lymphoma which are broadly divided into two main groups:
1. Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin's disease)
and all other types of lymphoma, which are grouped together and called
2. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (or B-cell or T-cell lymphomas)

Lymphomas can develop at any age but the majority of lymphomas occur in people over the age of 50 years. The peak age for diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma is between 15 and 30 years.

Causes

The incidence of lymphoma is increasing every year. In most cases we don't know what causes lymphomas, but there are likely to be a number of factors involved. Like all cancers, lymphomas may result from damage to (or mutation of) special proteins called genes that control the growth and division of cells.

We know that people with a weakened immune system (either due to an immunodeficiency disease or drugs that suppress the function of the immune system) are at an increased risk of developing lymphomas. Certain types of viral infections may also play a role, especially in people with a weakened immune system.

Symptoms

Lymphomas commonly present as a firm, painless swelling of a lymph node (swollen glands), usually in the neck, under the arms or in the groin. Other symptoms may include:

* Recurrent fevers
* Excessive sweating at night
* Unintentional weight loss
* Persistent lack of energy
* Generalised itching

Lymphoma may develop in the lymph nodes in deeper parts of the body, like those found in the abdomen (causing bloating), or in the chest (causing coughing, discomfort in the chest and difficulty breathing).

In some cases, people don't have any troubling symptoms and the disease is picked up during a routine chest x-ray.

Treatment

Treatment will vary depending on the exact type of lymphoma a person has, and how fast it is likely to grow and cause problems in the body. It will also depend on the extent of disease at diagnosis, the person's age, and their general health.

Some lymphomas grow slowly and cause few troubling symptoms, and may not need to be treated urgently. Others grow more quickly and need to be treated as soon as they are diagnosed. Treatment can involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Cortico-steroid and immune therapies may also be used. Occasionally, a stem cell transplant is given to treat disease which has relapsed (come back), or where there is a high likelihood that the disease will relapse in the future.

Our information booklets on lymphoma are available here. You can also obtain a hard copy free of charge by contacting LBF on 0800 15 10 15 or info@leukaemia.org.nz