Head & Neck Lymphoma

Head and neck lymphoma is a kind of head and neck cancer. However, cancers originating in other places of the body can also spread to the lymph nodes. Lymphoma is classified into two different categories, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Lymphoma overall is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, with approximately 88 percent of these cancers being NHLs. (see Reference 1)

About Head and Neck Cancers

• Head and neck cancers are found in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, larynx and lymph nodes in the neck. (see References 2 and 3) Most cancers of the head and neck begin in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces, which are the regions with moist tissues lining the hollow organs and cavities of the body, such as the mouth, nose and throat. However, some head and neck cancers can also originate in other types of cells. (see Reference 2) Cancers that originate in the brain, eyes, thyroid glands, scalp, skin, muscles and bones of the heck and neck are not usually considered cancers of the head and neck. (see Reference 2)

Types of Lymphoma

• There are two kinds of lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). These are cancers that are found in a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes, an important part of the body's immune system. The symptoms of both HL and NHL are similar, but the conditions are still classified differently, depending on the the type of abnormal cells found in the cancerous material. (see Reference 4)

Symptoms

• A sign of some head and neck cancer sites can include a lump or sore that doesn't heal, difficulty swallowing and a change or hoarseness in a person's voice. Symptoms of cancer in the oral cavity can include a white or red patch in the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth. There also may be swelling in the jaw and unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth. Blocked sinuses or chronic sinus infections that don't respond to treatment are symptoms of cancer in the nasal cavity and sinuses. Bleeding through the nose, frequent headaches, swelling of the eyes, pain in the upper teeth are also signs of cancer. Numbness or paralysis of the facial muscles, pain that doesn't go away in the face, ears, neck and throat and trouble breathing are also signals of possible cancer. All of these symptoms could be caused by less serious conditions, but it is still important to consult with a doctor to rule out cancer. (see Reference 2 and 3)

  Symptoms of lymphoma may include painless swelling of the lymph nodes. HL is more likely to begin in the lymph nodes in the upper body, such as the neck, underarms or chest. However, both HL and NHL can be found anywhere in the body, and symptoms for both can include weight less, fevers and night sweats. (see Reference 4)

Causes of Head and Neck Cancers

• Head and neck cancers, particularly those in the oral cavity, are linked to tobacco use and alcohol. Eighty-five percent of head and neck cancers are related to tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco. (see Reference 2 and 3) Some other causes of head and neck cancers include exposure to the sun, exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals, genetics, a human papilloma virus infection and genetics. (see Reference 2)

Treatments

• Cancers of the head and neck can be curable if discovered early. Treatments would include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination. However, prevention is still key, and treatments can affect a person's eating, speaking or even breathing, requiring further rehabilitation for patients. (see Reference 2 and 3)

Statistics of Lymphoma

• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a more common kind of cancer than Hodgkin's lymphoma, occurring as the sixth most common cancer among males and fifth most common among females in the United States. (see Reference 4) Both HL and NHL can occur in people of any age, but the risk of developing NHL increases with age. HL is most often diagnosed in two distinct age groups: younger people between 15 and 40 yeas of age, and people who are aged 55 or older. (see Reference 4) Cases of both HL and NHL are also higher in men than in women. (see Reference 1)