Table of contents:
- What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- Difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- What are the types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer?
- What are the signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
- What causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What are the treatment options that can be done?
Apart from Hodgkin's lymphoma, another type of lymphoma or lymphoma, namely non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Of the two types, lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the more common type of lymph cancer. In fact, the number of cases is higher than other types of blood cancer, such as leukemia or multiple myeloma. So, what is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma? What are the causes, symptoms, and how to treat it?
What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system of the human body. This type of cancer begins with lymphocyte cells (a type of white blood cell) that develop abnormally.
The lymphocyte cells can be found in various lymphatic system tissues, such as lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus gland, adenoids and tonsils, as well as the digestive tract. This lymphatic system is part of the human immune system, which plays a role in fighting infections and various other diseases.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can originate from B and T lymphocytes. B lymphocytes play a role in protecting the body from germs (bacteria and viruses) by producing proteins called antibodies.
Meanwhile, T lymphocytes play a role in destroying germs or abnormal cells in the body. However, several other types of lymphocyte cells help increase or slow down the activity of immune system cells.
Reporting from Lymphoma Action, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer is more common in adults over the age of 55. However, this type of cancer can also occur in children. This type of cancer is more common in men than women. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
In contrast to Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can originate from B or T lymphocytes. While Hodgkin's lymphoma only starts from B lymphocytes. Non-Hodgkin's cancers also do not contain Reed-Sternberg cells like the type of Hodgkin's disease.
In addition, non-Hodgkin's lymph cancer is more likely to spread to other organs in the body. Meanwhile, in Hodgkin's cancer, spread is possible, although the cases are relatively rare.
What are the types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer?
Basically, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer has dozens of types. These types of non-Hodgkin's cancer depend on the type of cells affected, how mature they were when they became cancer, and other factors.
Based on the type of cells affected, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is divided into two types, namely B cell lymphoma and T cell lymphoma. Meanwhile, based on the speed of growth and spread, non-Hodgkin cancer is divided into sluggish lymphoma or lymphoma.indolent (low grade) and aggressive lymphoma (high grade).
However, there are also non-Hodgkin types that change from slow growing types to faster growing types. This type is also called transformation.
Based on this classification, the following are the subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymph cancer that most often occur in adults:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCBL)
This subtype is the non-Hodgkin type lymphoma that occurs most frequently. As the name implies, DLCBL develops from B lymphocytes that grow and spread rapidly or aggressively. The abnormal cells of this subtype are scattered (diffuse) when viewed under a microscope.
- Follicular lymphoma
Lymphoma of this subtype develops from B lymphocyte cells, but grows slowly. This subtype is the most common low grade non-Hodgkin cancer. Abnormal B cells of this subtype often accumulate in the lymph nodes as follicles (clots).
- Burkitt's lymphoma
This subtype of lymphoma develops from B lymphocytes and usually grows very rapidly. There are three main types of Burkitt's lymphoma, namely endemic (which generally occurs in Africa and is associated with chronic malaria and the Epstein-Barr Virus), sporadic (occurs outside Africa and is also associated with the Epstein-Barr Virus), and those associated with immune deficiency. (usually develops in people with HIV or who have had an organ transplant).
What are the signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
The most common symptoms of lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, which are generally painless.
- Sweating profusely at night.
- Fever.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Chest pain, cough or difficulty breathing.
- Continuous fatigue.
- Swollen or painful stomach.
- Itching skin.
These symptoms are often the same as other diseases. However, if these symptoms last longer and do not go away, you should immediately see a doctor.
What causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Generally, the cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a change or mutation of DNA in lymphocyte cells. This DNA mutation causes lymphocyte cells to keep growing and dividing uncontrollably. This causes an abnormal build-up of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, causing symptoms, such as swelling.
Until now, scientists still did not know the cause of these DNA mutations and uncontrolled cell division. However, in some cases, this condition is often caused by a weakened immune system.
In addition, certain factors are said to increase the risk of this disease. The following are factors that can increase the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma:
- Medical treatments that weaken the immune system, such as medicines taken after an organ transplant.
- Infection with several viruses and bacteria, such as the HIV virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Helicobacter pylori bacteria (bacteria that cause stomach ulcers).
- History of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjögren's syndrome.
- Excessive exposure to chemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides.
- Old age, namely at the age of 55 years.
Having one or more of the risk factors above does not mean you will definitely experience this disease. Conversely, a person affected by this disease can have unknown risk factors. Consult more about this at the doctor.
What are the treatment options that can be done?
Treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is determined based on the type and stage of cancer, age, and overall health condition. In the types of lymphoma that develop slowly, especially those that do not cause symptoms, generally treatment is not needed.
In this condition, the doctor will ask you to have regular checkups every month to monitor the progress of your condition. However, in cases of aggressive lymphoma that causes symptoms, medical treatment is needed immediately.
Here are some types of treatment that doctors usually recommend:
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is done by giving drugs or injections to destroy cancer cells. This type of treatment can be given alone or in combination with other treatments.
- Radiation therapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This type of treatment can also be done alone or in combination with other treatments.
- Stem cell or bone marrow transplant
In this treatment, the doctor will replace the cancerous stem cells with healthy stem cells, which are taken from your own body or from a donor. Before this procedure is carried out, you generally need to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy first.
- Biological therapy
The doctor may recommend biologic therapy or immunotherapy. Immunotherapy that is often given for non-Hodgkin's lymph cancer, namely rituximab or ibrutinib. These drugs work by strengthening the immune system to fight cancer.
These medications may have different side effects. Therefore, always consult with your doctor about the right type of treatment, including its advantages and disadvantages.
