Q. What is a lymphoma?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of your body’s immune system. It is characterized by an abnormal growth of cells in the lymph nodes or other tissues. There are two main types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Hodgkin’s lymphoma typically follows an orderly pattern of spread, involving specific sites and stages as it progresses. NHL can occur at any age but tends to be more common among older adults and men than women; its pattern of spread may not be predictable.
Common symptoms include enlarged glands, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue; however these may vary depending on the type and stage of disease. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination along with imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI. Blood tests like complete blood count (CBC), lactic acid dehydrogenase test (LDH) levels and biopsy results may also help with diagnosis.
Treatment usually includes chemotherapy or radiation therapy; however stem cell transplantation may also be recommended depending on the extent of involvement. Early diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment yields better outcomes for people with this condition so seeking medical advice if any signs or symptoms appear is important for good prognosis.