Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer in the lymphatic system. Sixty percent of lymphomas are non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and functions to fight disease and infections. | |
The lymphatic system includes: | |
| |
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually causing tumors to grow. Non-Hodgkin's disease cells can also spread to other organs and tissues in the body. | |
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the third most common childhood cancer. It occurs most often in children between the ages of 7 and 11, but can occur at any age from infancy to adulthood. | |
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affects males almost three times more often than females, and is more common among Caucasian children than among African-American children and children of other races. | |
Staging and classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is based on the extent of the disease and the specific cells involved. | |
What are the different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma? | |
There are three subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including the following: | |
| |
How is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma staged? | |
Staging is the process of determining whether cancer has spread and, if so, how far. There are various staging symptoms that are used for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Always consult your child's physician for information on staging. One method of staging non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the following: | |
| |
What causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma? | |
The specific cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is unclear. It is possible that genetics and exposure to viral infections may increase the risk for developing this malignancy. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has also been linked to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Non-Hodgkin's may be a second malignancy as a result of the treatment for certain cancers. | |
There has been much investigation into the association of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes the mononucleosis infection; as well as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Both of these infectious viruses have been linked to the development of Burkitt's lymphoma. | |
The majority of Burkitt's lymphoma cases result from a chromosome rearrangement between chromosome #8 and #14, which causes genes to change positions and function differently, promoting uncontrolled cell growth. Other chromosome rearrangements have been seen in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (all types) that are also thought to promote excessive cell growth. | |
Children and adults with other hereditary abnormalities have an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including patients with ataxia telangiectasia, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease or the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. | |
What are the symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma? | |
Most children have stage III or IV disease at the time of diagnosis because of the sudden onset of symptoms. The disease can progress quickly from a few days to a few weeks. A child can go from otherwise healthy to having multi-system involvement in a short time period. | |
Some children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have symptoms of an abdominal mass and have complaints of abdominal pain, fever, constipation and decreased appetite - due to the pressure and obstruction a large tumor in this area can cause. | |
Some children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have symptoms of a mass in their chest and have complaints of respiratory problems, pain with deep breaths (dyspnea), cough or wheezing. | |
Because of the rapid onset of this malignancy, any respiratory symptoms can quickly worsen, causing a life-threatening emergency. | |
The following are the most common symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, each child may experience the symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: | |
| |
The symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. | |
How is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed? | |
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may include: | |
| |
Treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: | |
Specific treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will be determined by your child's physician based on: | |
| |
Treatment may include (alone or in combination): | |
| |
Long-term outlook for a child with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: | |
Prognosis greatly depends on: | |
| |
As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from child to child. Every child is unique and treatment and prognosis is structured around the child. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for the child diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as second malignancies, can occur in survivors of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. New methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and to decrease side effects. |
domingo, 5 de diciembre de 2010
What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)?
Suscribirse a:
Enviar comentarios (Atom)
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario