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Lymphoma Cancer Facts

Lymphoma, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, the body's system for fighting disease and illness. In many cases, tumors develop on the lymph nodes, but the disease can start in almost any area of the body and spread to any part of the body. As with most cancers, survival rates are highly dependent on how far the disease has progressed when it is diagnosed and treated.

  1. Symptoms

    • Possible symptoms include night sweats, itchy skin or red spots on the skin, abdominal or back pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss, chronic cough and shortness of breath.

    Cause

    • There is no known cause of lymphoma, but possible triggers may include certain infections and exposure to toxic chemicals.

    Risk Factors

    • Those with compromised immune systems, including people who have undergone organ transplants or who have autoimmune diseases or HIV or AIDS, are more likely to develop lymphoma. Certain viral and bacterial infections also increase the likelihood.

    Diagnosis

    • Doctors typically use several exams and tests to diagnose lymphoma, including blood and urine tests, examination of the lymph nodes, a biopsy of lymph nodes and bone marrow and CT, PET and MRI scans.

    Treatment

    • Treatment varies depending on the type and stage of lymphoma, among other factors. Possible treatment options include interferon therapy, radioimmunotheraphy, chemotherapy, radiation, stem-cell transplants and drug therapy.

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