Cancer Type - Lymphoma
Blood Cancer (Lymphoma) Treatment in Huntsville Alabama and Other Locations
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is the most common type of cancer in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting network, in the U.S. Lymphoma is cancer involving cells of the immune system called lymphocytes. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes or glands, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow; lymphoma can affect all of these areas as well as other organs throughout the body.
Causes of Lymphoma
Although there is no known cause for lymphoma, what we do know is that it begins when a disease-fighting white blood cell called a lymphocyte develops a genetic mutation. This mutation tells other cells to multiply rapidly, causing many diseased lymphocytes to increase in number.
This means that the mutated cells go on living while normal cells would die, creating a network of too many diseased and ineffective lymphocytes in your lymph nodes causing your nodes, liver, and spleen to swell.
Lymphoma can be categorized as Hodgkin or Non-Hodgkin. While the two types may share some of the same symptoms and treatment options, your healthcare provider will determine the type of lymphoma and discuss which treatment is best for that particular type.
The most common symptom of Hodgkin’s disease is an enlarged lymph node in the neck, under the arm, or in the groin. The lump may grow larger or smaller surrounding lumps may also appear. Swollen lymph nodes may also be due to an infection, so please visit your health care provider if you feel enlarged lymph nodes. Other symptoms associated with Hodgkin’s disease are:
- Fever that is not associated with an infection
- Night sweats that drench the sheets
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe and constant itching