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Lymphoma Cure

Lymphoma is a cancer that results in tumors arising in lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissue. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Both produce similar symptoms and the type of lymphoma is determined by the microscopic evaluation of the cells containing the cancer. Treatment is given based on the grade and stage of the disease and the regions of the affected lymph nodes. There are several treatments used in curing lymphoma such as chemotherapy, radiation and herbal remedies.

  1. Chemotherapy

    • Chemotherapy is used to cure lymphoma. Chemotherapy involves injecting anti-cancer drugs into a muscle or the bloodstream, or it can be taken orally in a pill. It is considered an effective method in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and can be used in conjunction with radiation treatments. Side effects associated with chemotherapy include such as mouth sores, hair loss, loss of appetite and flu-like symptoms.

    Radiation

    • Radiation therapy is a standard method for treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Radiation uses external beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. The chance of cancer reoccurring in the same location of the radiation treatments is 1 percent. The side effects of radiation include nausea, diarrhea, skin irritation as well as fatigue. Possible longer-term effects include headaches, lung damage and trouble breathing.

    Biological Therapy

    • Monoclonal antibody treatments are used for curing lymphoma. These include the medications Bexxar or Rituxan. Rixutan is usually provided intravenously and can be taken alone without other medications. There aren't any serious side effects associated with taking Rituxan. Bexxar is administered intravenously; the first dose contains a trace amount of radioactivity, and the second dose contains radioactive iodine. The possible negative effects from Bexxar include chills, fever and a temporary drop in blood counts.

    Stem Cells

    • Allogeneic stem cell transplants and autologous stem cell transplants are both used for curing lymphoma that is in remission or that has relapsed. Allogeneic stem cell transplants involve the transplanting of stem cells from another person into the patient. Autologous stem cell transplants use stem cells of the patient that are removed weeks before beginning treatment and then put back after the treatment ends. Possible serious side effects of stem cell transplants include lung damage, cataracts, infertility, bone damage and menopause symptoms.

    Herbs

    • Taking the natural herb astragalus causes stimulation of t-cells, or the immune cells that fight infection. It also serves to reduce the the detrimental effects of cancerous cells, bacteria and viruses. Patients with a skin infection or fever should not use astragalus.

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