Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Cancer from Diagnosis to Treatment
What Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, part of the immune system that helps fight infections.
It occurs when lymphocytes | B-cells or T-cells | grow and multiply abnormally, forming tumors in lymph nodes or other organs such as the spleen, bone marrow, or intestines.
Unlike Hodgkin Lymphoma, NHL does not contain Reed - Sternberg cells and includes many different subtypes - some slow-growing | indolent | and others fast-growing | aggressive.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, part of the immune system that helps fight infections.
It occurs when lymphocytes | B-cells or T-cells | grow and multiply abnormally, forming tumors in lymph nodes or other organs such as the spleen, bone marrow, or intestines.
Unlike Hodgkin Lymphoma, NHL does not contain Reed - Sternberg cells and includes many different subtypes - some slow-growing | indolent | and others fast-growing | aggressive.
1. Early Signs and Symptoms
• Painless swollen lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats and fever
• Persistent fatigue
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent infections
• Painless swollen lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats and fever
• Persistent fatigue
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent infections
2. Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include
• Weakened immune system
• Autoimmune diseases
• Family history of lymphoma
• Exposure to certain chemicals
Infections such as
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Helicobacter pylori
• Hepatitis C virus
The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include
• Weakened immune system
• Autoimmune diseases
• Family history of lymphoma
• Exposure to certain chemicals
Infections such as
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Helicobacter pylori
• Hepatitis C virus
3. Diagnostic Procedure
Physical Examination
Checking for enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, or liver.
Blood Tests
To assess blood cell counts and organ function.
Lymph Node Biopsy
A tissue sample is examined under a microscope to confirm NHL and determine the subtype.
Imaging Tests
CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to locate tumors and assess spread.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
Determines if lymphoma has reached the bone marrow.
Molecular and Immunophenotyping Tests
Identify whether the lymphoma arises from B-cells or T-cells.
Physical Examination
Checking for enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, or liver.
Blood Tests
To assess blood cell counts and organ function.
Lymph Node Biopsy
A tissue sample is examined under a microscope to confirm NHL and determine the subtype.
Imaging Tests
CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to locate tumors and assess spread.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
Determines if lymphoma has reached the bone marrow.
Molecular and Immunophenotyping Tests
Identify whether the lymphoma arises from B-cells or T-cells.
4. Types and Staging
B-cell lymphomas
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, Burkitt Lymphoma.
T-cell lymphomas
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.
Stage I - One lymph node region or one organ.
Stage II - Two or more areas on the same side of the diaphragm.
Stage III - Affected nodes on both sides of the diaphragm.
Stage IV - Cancer spread to bone marrow, liver, or other organs.
Each stage is also classified as:
A - Without B symptoms.
B - With B symptoms | fever, night sweats, weight loss.
B-cell lymphomas
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, Burkitt Lymphoma.
T-cell lymphomas
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.
Stage I - One lymph node region or one organ.
Stage II - Two or more areas on the same side of the diaphragm.
Stage III - Affected nodes on both sides of the diaphragm.
Stage IV - Cancer spread to bone marrow, liver, or other organs.
Each stage is also classified as:
A - Without B symptoms.
B - With B symptoms | fever, night sweats, weight loss.
5. Treatment Options
➛ Chemotherapy
CHOP regimen:
Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone.
Often combined with immunotherapy.
➛ Immunotherapy
Rituximab | Rituxan:
Monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B-cells.
Other options:
Obinutuzumab, Ofatumumab.
➛ Targeted Therapy
Ibrutinib, Acalabrutinib:
Block cancer cell signaling.
Lenalidomide, Idelalisib:
Used for relapsed/refractory cases.
➛ Radiation Therapy
For localized or early-stage disease.
Can also shrink tumors causing pressure or pain.
➛ Stem Cell Transplant
Used when NHL relapses after standard treatment.
Autologous | patient’s own cells | or Allogeneic | donor cells.
➛ CAR T-Cell Therapy
A cutting-edge option for advanced or recurrent B-cell lymphomas.
Patient’s T-cells are modified to attack lymphoma cells.
➛ Chemotherapy
CHOP regimen:
Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone.
Often combined with immunotherapy.
➛ Immunotherapy
Rituximab | Rituxan:
Monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B-cells.
Other options:
Obinutuzumab, Ofatumumab.
➛ Targeted Therapy
Ibrutinib, Acalabrutinib:
Block cancer cell signaling.
Lenalidomide, Idelalisib:
Used for relapsed/refractory cases.
➛ Radiation Therapy
For localized or early-stage disease.
Can also shrink tumors causing pressure or pain.
➛ Stem Cell Transplant
Used when NHL relapses after standard treatment.
Autologous | patient’s own cells | or Allogeneic | donor cells.
➛ CAR T-Cell Therapy
A cutting-edge option for advanced or recurrent B-cell lymphomas.
Patient’s T-cells are modified to attack lymphoma cells.
6. Preferred Nutrition for Patients
Protein-rich foods:
fish, eggs, poultry, lentils.
Fruits & vegetables:
spinach, oranges, berries, tomatoes.
Whole grains:
oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread.
Hydration:
water, soups, and fresh juices | pasteurized.
Healthy fats:
olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado.
Protein-rich foods:
fish, eggs, poultry, lentils.
Fruits & vegetables:
spinach, oranges, berries, tomatoes.
Whole grains:
oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread.
Hydration:
water, soups, and fresh juices | pasteurized.
Healthy fats:
olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado.
7. Follow-Up
➛ Indolent lymphomas progress slowly and may be managed for many years.
➛ Aggressive lymphomas respond well to prompt treatment and can be cured in many cases.
➛ Regular follow-up with blood tests and imaging is essential to monitor remission or recurrence.
➛ Indolent lymphomas progress slowly and may be managed for many years.
➛ Aggressive lymphomas respond well to prompt treatment and can be cured in many cases.
➛ Regular follow-up with blood tests and imaging is essential to monitor remission or recurrence.
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