What is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?
The group of cancers that are termed lymphomas that be divided into two main categories; Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. In Hodgkin's lymphoma a particular type of cancerous cell is always present and so if these cells aren't detected in the body then the lymphoma is classed as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The first detection of a cancer that affects the lymphatic and immune systems occurred in the early 1800s and, as the name suggests, was discovered by Thomas Hodgkin. Since then a number of additional types of lymphoma have been discovered and these are collectively known as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. All lymphomas attack the white blood cells of the immune system which means that sufferers find it very difficult to combat even the smallest infections and illnesses. The white blood cells, and in particular the T cells and B cells become cancerous and even though they divide uncontrollably they have mutations which stop them from performing their primary functions; to kill pathogens within the body.
As already mentioned there are a number of subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which are currently recognised by the World Health Organisation. These subtypes differ according to the type of cell they affect, the rate at which they develop and many more technical properties that have been devised by cancer specialists for other cancer specialists!
The first thing a doctor has to do is to decide if the lymphoma is Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and when this is done to classify which subtype it is. Unfortunately all lymphomas present the same set of symptoms and so specific medical tests are needed to determine exactly what kind of lymphoma a person has so that the correct medical treatment can be started as quickly as possible. In addition to classifying the lymphoma as a particular subtype the doctor will also need to decide how aggressive it is. For example, some cancers grow and develop very slowly and are thus classed as low grade. In these cases it is unlikely that the cancer has spread to other areas of the body however a number of cancers are termed high grade because of their ability to grow and spread, or metastasise, around the body quickly and easily. Unfortunately, because lymphomas affect the white blood cells and the cells of the lymphatic system they are often diagnosed as high grade and this also affects the type of treatme nt prescribed.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is about three times more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma and it normally develops in people over the age of 50, with the average age being around 65. Surprisingly, nonhodgkin's lymphoma is much more common in males than females however as yet research has not determined why this is. According to the British Medical Association, lifestyle is not a significant factor with regards to lymphoma and so there is very little you can do to decrease the chances of developing the disease in later life. Fortunately however, recent advancements in treatment have meant that if the disease is diagnosed early there is a very good chance of cure and survival for a lengthy period.