Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

Lymphoma Cancer Treatment India Lymphoma is a cancer that originates in lymph nodes and appears as an enlargement of the node (a tumor). Lymphoid leukemias, which also originate in lymphocytes typically involve only circulating blood and the bone marrow ,where blood cells are generated in a process termed haematopoesis. Lymphomas are a part of a broad group of diseases called hematological neoplasms.

The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune defence system. Its job is to help fight diseases and infection. Lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a colorless watery fluid that contains infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. Along this network of vessels are groups of small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes. Clusters of lymphnodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen.

There are a number of common signs and symptoms that are associated with Lymphoma however it must be pointed out that these symptoms can also be caused by numerous, less severe conditions and so anyone suffering with any of the following symptoms should not self-diagnose Lymphoma.

The common symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph glands - although these often develop in the neck, armpit and groin areas they can also develop in the chest and these lymph glands can not be felt externally. This means that they can be swollen for some time without causing any external swelling that can be felt with the fingers.

• Fever and night sweats - because Cancerous cells are present in the body the immune system launches an attack and this causes the body's internal temperature to rise, which is felt as a fever.

• Unexplained weight loss - Lymphoma can affect any system within the body and occasionally it affects the digestive system which then fails to function at its best. This means that food is not absorbed properly and the body begins to lose weight.

• Tiredness and fatigue - again this can occur when the digestive system is affected and the impaired food absorption leaves the body with little energy. It also occurs because the body is constantly trying to fight the spread and development of Cancerous cells.

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There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL, also called Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Both HL and NHL can occur in the same places and have similar symptoms. Their differences are visible at a microscopic level. Hodgkin lymphoma develops from a specific abnormal lineage of B cells. There are five subtypes of HL. NHL may derive from either abnormal B or T cells, and its 30 subtypes are distinguished by unique genetic markers.

• Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)

Hodgkin lymphoma can arise anywhere in the body where lymphocytes are found. HL has characteristics that differentiate it from all of the other types of lymphoma, most notably the presence of a cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. A Reed-Sternberg cell is a large, abnormal cell that does not protect the body from infection. When it abnormally multiplies, it often forms a tumor within a lymph node and attracts inflammatory cells around it. While the cause is unknown, certain factors have been shown to increase the risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma may include chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. In certain cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be recommended, especially if the disease does not respond to initial treatment or if it returns despite an initial response to treatment.

• Non - Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL)

Non - Hodgkin's lymphoma is a general term for a large group of lymphatic cancers that comprise approximately 90% of all diagnosed lymphomas. Hodgkin's disease contain specific cells called Reed-Sternberg cells that are not found in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Approximately 85% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas originate in B-lymphocytes and are sometimes referred to as B-cell lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma begins when a lymphocyte (usually a B cell) becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells don't die when they should. They don't protect the body from infections or other diseases. The buildup of extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. In general, the risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma include the following: Weakened immune system Certain infections like Human immunodeficiency virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Helicobacter pylori, Human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and Hepatitis C.

• Non - Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL)

Non - Hodgkin's lymphoma is a general term for a large group of lymphatic cancers that comprise approximately 90% of all diagnosed lymphomas. Hodgkin's disease contain specific cells called Reed-Sternberg cells that are not found in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Approximately 85% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas originate in B-lymphocytes and are sometimes referred to as B-cell lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma begins when a lymphocyte (usually a B cell) becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells don't die when they should. They don't protect the body from infections or other diseases. The buildup of extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. In general, the risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma include the following: Weakened immune system Certain infections like Human immunodeficiency virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Helicobacter pylori, Human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and Hepatitis C.

• Blood tests, including complete blood count (CBC).
• Blood chemistry, including tests of liver and kidney function.
• Bone marrow biopsy or aspiration.
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for Cancer spread to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
• Ultrasound.
• Computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen or sometimes X-rays.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Bone scan or gallium scan (when a radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream to look for evidence of inflammation or bone tumors).
• Gallium scan to look for tumor or inflammatory cells.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan to look for abnormal cells.

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There are several factors that you will need to take into account when deciding on your treatment. They include patient’s age, stage of lymphoma, likely progression of lymphoma, sub-type of lymphoma and possible side effects of the treatments.

Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for lymphoma, often combined with radiotherapy. The type of chemotherapy you receive will depend on the type and stage of your lymphoma. If it is thought that your lymphoma is curable you will normally receive an aggressive treatment regime designed to kill all of the cancerous cells in your body. However, if a cure is unlikely, then a more moderate treatment regime may be used which can often provide long-term relief from symptoms. An aggressive chemotherapy regime will involve you receiving injections of chemotherapy (intravenous chemotherapy) while a more moderate regime will involve you taking chemotherapy tablets (oral chemotherapy).

Radiotherapy is often used to treat stage 1 and 2 lymphomas, when the cancerous cells are located in only one part of the body. Treatment is normally given daily, over the space of 2-6 weeks. The radiographer will need to first carefully plan your treatment. This may involve one or several appointments, where the radiographer uses a machine to 'map' out the lymphoma and decide what parts of your body the radiotherapy should be directed at. This may involve making small marks on your skin with a kind of marker pen. Radiotherapy itself is painless, but it does have a number of common side effects. These can vary, depending on which part of your body is being treated. For example, if the affected lymph nodes are in your throat radiotherapy can lead to a sore throat, while treatment to the head can lead to hair loss.

Monoclonal antibodies are drugs that can ‘recognize’ and find specific cells in the body. These drugs can be designed to find a particular type of cancer cell in the body. The monoclonal antibodies attach themselves to the cancer cells and destroy them. There are different types of monoclonal antibody treatment. They can be used alone, with radiotherapy or with chemotherapy. A monoclonal antibody treatment is available for certain types of lymphoma. The treatment may be used as part of initial treatment or if the disease recurs. In lymphoma, monoclonal antibody treatment can be given in different ways.

Sometimes high doses of chemotherapy destroy the lymphoma cells and your bone marrow. To help your bone marrow make new healthy blood cells, some stem cells may be taken with a special machine before chemotherapy is given. These cells are then transplanted into the body. These transplanted cells will then find their way to the bone marrow and restore it, so that it can build healthy new blood cells.

Is Lymphoma inherited

No. There is little to no evidence that these diseases are inherited. There are genetic components to the diseases and often there are alterations in the DNA but the cause of these changes is unknown and occurs later in life.

Is it safe to get Lymphoma Treatment in India?

The medical fraternity in India is famed for excellence, and leads in Cancer surgeries. Thousands of cancer operations are performed in India each year with maximum success rate, making the safety obvious.

How to find the Best Lymphoma Treatment and Surgery in India?

As there are many top class surgeons in India, finding the best can be tricky. Send us your medical report and we will choose from among the best surgeons most suitable for your condition.

What are the Benefits of getting Lymphoma Treatment in India?

Cancer Hospitals in India are equipped with the most advanced medical treatment. They have the most extensive neuro-diagnostic and imaging facilities including Asia’s most advanced MRI and CT technology. Personalized care and attention is provided with value added services besides results of world class standard at a very low cost affordable to all sections of society.