Under the name malignant lymphoma is a malignant swelling of the lymphatic organs or lymph nodes. Mostly it is the so-called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The cause of the development of such malignant lymphomas is unknown; the prognosis depends on the stage of the disease, the age and the state of health of the patient.
What is Malignant Lymphoma?
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Malignant lymphomas are often colloquially referred to as lymph node or lymph gland cancer. However, these terms are not 100 percent correct, as malignant lymphomas can also attack organs such as the spleen and sometimes the lymphatic system. There are numerous sub-types of this malignant swelling; these are subsequently also decisive for the therapies and prognoses.
causes
Why malignant lymph form is still not 100 percent clear. However, there are various factors that can significantly increase the risk of any malignant lymphoma. This includes the persistent weakening of the immune system; People who take immunosuppressive drugs or who are also infected with HIV are at greater risk of developing malignant lymphoma.
Researchers also do not rule out the causative agent of Pfeiffer's glandular fever, the Epstein-Barr virus, when it comes to the development of malignant lymphomas. The Epstein-Barr virus has been repeatedly associated with malignant lymphomas. Environmental toxins, chemicals and tobacco smoking can also be linked to the development of malignant lymphomas. Age is also a risk factor. With the number of years, the likelihood of illness increases automatically.
Symptoms, ailments & signs
At the beginning, malignant lymphomas cause unspecific symptoms such as tiredness, poor performance, fatigue or loss of appetite. Which other symptoms can occur also ultimately depends on the type of lymphoma and what stage the disease is at. The spectrum ranges from itching to changes in the skin, can sometimes cause persistent diarrhea or cause heartburn such as coughing.
Since the immune system - due to excessive reproduction - is unbalanced, disrupted and subsequently weakened, the susceptibility to viral, bacterial and fungal infections naturally increases. Malignant lymphomas sometimes also cause the liver and spleen to enlarge in the later stages; if the bone marrow is affected, the blood count is disrupted.
Attention should be paid to the so-called B symptoms that can occur as part of the disease. This is a recurrent fever (well over 38 degrees), which cannot be attributed to any other cause, unwanted weight loss and night sweats. However, such symptoms do not indicate that malignant lymphoma has sometimes formed. However, the symptoms can sometimes suggest that there is a possibility that malignant lymphoma may have developed.
Diagnosis & course of disease
If malignant lymphoma is suspected, different diagnostic measures are considered. The doctor removes the enlarged lymph nodes (so-called biopsy); this is then examined in the laboratory. Attention is paid to the immunological, genetic and molecular biological properties; At the end of the day, these provide information as to whether a so-called malignant lymphoma is present or not.
Sometimes the type of lymphoma can also be determined. After the malignant lymphoma has been determined, the doctors carry out the "staging". The stage of the disease is clarified. It is important to know how many groups are affected by lymph nodes and whether other organs have been affected (liver, lungs or sometimes the bone marrow).
Various examination methods are used in the context of “staging”. These include ultrasound examinations, x-rays and a biopsy of the bone marrow or laboratory analyzes of the blood and imaging procedures (MRT - magnetic resonance therapy; bone scintigraphy or positron emission tomography, also called PET).
Which examination is actually necessary in the end or which delivers the best result is decided individually - depending on the patient. The prognosis is different. Above all, the fact that the patient responds to the planned therapy plays an important role; Furthermore, age and general condition also play an important role, as does the stage at which the malignant lymphoma is.
Complications
Various complaints arise with this disease. As a rule, those affected suffer from severe tiredness and fatigue. Likewise, the resilience of the person affected is significantly reduced due to the disease, sometimes loss of appetite occurs. It is not uncommon for patients to suffer from being underweight or from a lack of nutrients.
Redness and itching also spreads on the skin, which can seriously reduce the patient's quality of life. The liver and spleen are enlarged, which can often lead to pain. There is also a fever and night sweats. Those affected often feel confused and no longer actively participate in life. Due to the permanent restrictions, it is not uncommon for psychological complaints or even depression to occur.
The treatment of this disease is relatively complex, so that it does not always lead to a completely positive course of the disease. As a rule, those affected depend on various therapies, which can also be associated with side effects. The life expectancy of the person affected may also be significantly reduced and restricted due to the disease.
When should you go to the doctor?
If there are irregularities in the organism, increased vigilance should be exercised. If night sweats form, persistent itching on the skin or unwanted weight loss, a doctor's visit is necessary. If there are repeated fungal infections, bacterial infestation, fatigue and poor performance, a doctor is required. If there is a feeling of tightness in the body, the formation of swellings or swellings on the body, a clarification of the symptoms is recommended. Loss of appetite, digestive disorders and diarrhea are further indications of a health problem that should be investigated and treated. As a general rule, adults should take part in the regular check-ups that are offered. This also applies if there are no symptoms.
If you also suffer from heartburn, a sleep disorder or a cough, the observations should be discussed with a doctor. If the fever recurs or if the body temperature rises, there is cause for concern. A doctor's visit is necessary so that the cause can be clarified. If the person concerned has the feeling that they are less resilient or that they are no longer able to cope with everyday challenges, they should contact a doctor. If confusion occurs or if there is a withdrawal from social life, these are further indications that must be clarified by a doctor.
Treatment & Therapy
The therapy is usually complex; it is important that the patient visit a center that specializes in malignant lymphoma. The doctors adapt the therapy to the individual situation of the patient and thus enable the best possible treatment result. The question of which therapy is actually used depends on the state of health, which is made dependent on various factors.
The type of lymphoma, the stage, the state of health and the personal wishes of the patient play an important role. In malignant lymphomas, chemotherapy, stem cell and bone marrow transplants, radiation therapy, radioimmunotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies with various drugs are used.
In doing so, however, the doctors rely on the molecular biological characteristics of the cancer cells that have developed. If it is a malignant lymphoma that is growing very slowly, aggressive therapy can be dispensed with at the beginning, provided that the doctor checks the patient's condition at regular and short intervals. One speaks of the so-called “watch and wait” therapy, the “observing waiting”.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medicines against swelling of the lymph nodesOutlook & forecast
The outlook varies greatly depending on the type of malignant lymphoma. The chances of recovery are very good for Hodgkin's lymphoma. The prognosis for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, however, is mixed. The general condition of the patient, age and response to chemotherapy are decisive for the success of healing. The time of diagnosis also determines the prognosis for recovery. In the advanced stage, a final cure is unlikely. Life expectancy is then significantly reduced because the infestation has spread to other organs.
Less than five percent of all cancers diagnosed annually are related to malignant lymphoma. Most patients have to start therapy around the age of 60. A clear majority of the sick suffer from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some lymphomas are also more common in children.
If patients refuse treatment, they can become deadly. Because the body is much more susceptible to diseases. As the disease progresses, vital organs such as the liver and lungs are also attacked. A successfully completed treatment does not lead to lifelong recovery. There are frequent relapses. Follow-up care therefore plays an important role.
prevention
Since the causes of the development of the disease are not known and even patients who are affected by malignant lymphoma cannot be told why the malignant ulcer formed, no preventive measures are known.
You can do that yourself
If a malignant lymphoma occurs, the person affected should take it easy and not do any physically strenuous work or sport. Sufficient sleep and rest should be maintained. In addition, a change in diet can be helpful for the patient. The diet should be healthy and the person concerned should take care to consume all nutrients and minerals in the recommended amounts.
Due to the mental stress that comes with such an illness, it also comes to impairment of the psyche. The patient's environment is then of particular importance. Support from family, friends and partners is particularly important. In addition, psycho-oncologists offer those affected professional care.
Furthermore, patients can take part in self-help groups. There is a large number of self-help groups specifically for the various types of cancer. The participants in such a self-help group meet regularly. However, if the patient is unable to attend such meetings due to shyness or any other reason, there is an alternative. Such self-help groups can also be found on the Internet. Participation is anonymous, but you can still exchange ideas with other affected parties via a chat. This can have the same effect as attending a meeting physically.
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