Lymphoma

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Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of cancers derived from the cells of the immune system that affect the lymphatic system. This type of cancer attacks the lymphocytes, also known as the white blood cell, which weakens the body’s immunity. Research indicates that Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin are the main types of lymphomas. Hodgkin lymphoma is a B-cell lymphoid malignancy that constitutes 11.2% of all lymphomas in the US. Additionally, an average of 9,000 American patients is diagnosed with this type of cancer annually (Ansell 435). Hodgkin lymphoma is prevalent among patients aged 55 and over as well as young adults. Notably, the risk factors for this cancer include suppressed immunity, familial factors, and viral exposure. It is for this reason that research shows people with HIV are at high risk of getting this kind of malignancy. The medical treatment of this type of cancer includes a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy (Ansell 435).
Unlike Hodgkin, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a common type of malignancy that affects the immune system. This cancer is derived from the T cells or the B cells in the lymph nodes. It is prevalent among all ages but people above 60 years are at high risk of getting cancer (Rosen et al. 665). Just like the Hodgkin, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, people at high risk of the disease have a weakened immune system and are exposed to occupation hazards (Rosen et al. 668). Patients with this cancer show signs and symptoms such as excessive sweating at night, swollen lymph nodes that are painless, fatigue, sudden weight loss, and fever (Rosen et al.

669).
Physicians diagnose the specific type of lymphoma and subtypes through chest X-rays, physical examination, blood test or biopsy (Rosen et al. 670). After diagnosis, patients receive treatment depending on the lymphoma, age, the growth rate of cancer, its stage, and the presence of other health complications. The treatments for cancer include chemotherapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy (Rosen et al. 679). Conclusively, lymphomas are a group of heterogeneous malignancies that weaken the immune system and can be treated if diagnosed at an early stage.
Works Cited
Ansell, Stephen M. “Hodgkin lymphoma: 2016 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management.” American journal of hematology 91.4 (2016): 434-442.
Rosen, Steven T., et al. “Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.” Pazdur R, Wagman LD, Camphausen KA, Hoskins WJ. Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Medical, Surgical, & Radiation Oncology 13 (2008).