Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymphatic system and metastasize to other parts of the body. This spread of the malignancy could be rapid, taking only a few months, or it could develop slowly over several years. The cause has not been
determined, but some evidence suggests that it is from a virus. The virus could be a retrovirus similar to the virus in HIV, but it is not contagious.
The first symptoms are usually swollen lymph nodes - sometimes in only one area, but often in several areas of the body. The lymph nodes enlarge at a slow pace and usually are not painful. In children the symptoms are different: The lymph nodes do not swell, but the lymphoma cells invade the bone marrow, blood, skin and also the brain along with the spinal cord. These symptoms cause rashes, weakness and sick feelings with loss of appetite. The lymph nodes sometimes become blocked, which causes fluid retention. For diagnosis, the doctor must get a biopsy since many other diseases cause swollen lymph nodes and many of the other symptoms of lymphoma.
The treatment of lymphoma is principally radiation and chemotherapy, but recent research indicates that Radio immunotherapy (RIT) is a significant addition to the treatment and increases the number of patients cured. The type of treatment depends upon the stage of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the time treatment begins and the category of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. For some people a complete cure is possible, but for many others the treatment will only relieve symptoms and extend life. For some types of the disease, if treatment is started in the early stages, the outlook is promising. For treatment that begins after the disease has developed into many parts of the body and is fully entrenched, the prognosis is poor.
