Lymphoma: what kind of disease is it and cancer of what is it

The word "lymphoma" unites not one disease but a group of malignant diseases of the lymphatic system — a part of immunity. Behind the common name are different diseases with different courses and different tasks for the doctor. Below — which cells it all starts from, which forms are distinguished, and what the path to diagnosis looks like.

What lymphoma is and cancer of what it is

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, that is, of the part of immunity that protects the body from infections. Lymph tissue consists of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. In non-Hodgkin lymphomas, a T- or B-lymphocyte cell becomes abnormal, divides again and again, and abnormal cells become more and more numerous. These cells can spread to almost any part of the body.

Lymphomas have a primary tumor focus, like solid tumors, but the disease can not only metastasize — it can spread throughout the body simultaneously, forming a condition resembling lymphoid leukemia. Therefore, the question "lymphoma is cancer of what" is more accurately phrased as: it is a cancer of lymphatic tissue, with its own behavior and its own forms.

What types of lymphoma exist

Hodgkin lymphoma (lymphogranulomatosis) is distinguished; all other lymphomas are called non-Hodgkin. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas differ by the type of cells from which they originate: there are lymphomas from B cells and from T cells. Reference books list individual variants: mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, lymphoma of the central nervous system, lymphoma in HIV infection, Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

How aggressive and indolent forms differ

Lymphomas are distinguished by grade of malignancy. Indolent, that is, slow-growing, lymphomas with a low grade of malignancy in some cases may not require treatment — observation by a hematologist or oncologist is sufficient. This approach is called watchful waiting: if there are no symptoms, treatment is not started immediately. Treatment is started at the first signs of progression — enlargement of lymph nodes, increase in body temperature, onset of chronic weakness.

T-cell lymphoma, which is often caused by human T-lymphotropic virus, is considered more aggressive than other non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Possible causes and risk factors

Most often doctors do not know why a person developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Increased risk is associated with a weakened immune system and certain types of infections. For Hodgkin lymphoma, no association with ionizing radiation exposure has been identified, whereas other malignant neoplasms may be the result of radiogenic carcinogenesis. T-cell lymphoma is associated with human T-lymphotropic virus.

Symptoms of lymphoma

The first and most noticeable sign is enlargement of lymph nodes in various groups: cervical, axillary, inguinal. The nodes are usually painless. Other manifestations:

• painless enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin;
• unexplained weight loss;
• increase in body temperature and drenching night sweats;
• cough, difficulty breathing, or chest pain;
• weakness and fatigue that do not go away; pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.

Enlarged nodes together with fever, night sweats, and weight loss are a reason to see a doctor and undergo examination.

The diagnosis of lymphoma itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if severe difficulty breathing occurs.

How lymphoma is diagnosed

The diagnosis is made based on a combination of data: doctor's examination, blood tests, chest X-ray, and biopsy. Biopsy — examination of a tissue sample — is the key step: it is by the cells that the type of lymphoma is determined.

At the appointment, ask directly: which type of lymphoma has been established, which cells it originates from, and what happens next — observation or preparation for treatment. Such questions help to understand the plan and not get lost in terminology.

The material is for reference and does not replace consultation with a doctor: for clarification and support, contact your hematologist or oncologist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer