In the presence of a number of provoking factors, can develop malignant neoplasms. Their localization is different, as are the cells that form the basis of such tumors.
Often, malignant lesions affect the lymphatic system, which is a complex of lymphatic glandular structures and a vascular network through which the lymphatic fluid circulates. It is in its composition that there are lymphocytes that protect the body from infectious pathologies.
Lymphoma - what is this disease?
Lymphoma is a tumor-like tumor of a malignant nature, affecting the lymphatic system.
Similar to other tumors of a malignant nature, lymphoma develops as a result of uncontrolled division of cellular structures, which results in the formation of tumor compaction in lymph nodes or other organs.
The lymph system consists of the vasculature, lymph nodes and thyroid gland. Lymph glands are essentially lymph nodes, the purpose of which is the timely detection of bacterial, viral and other agents and the activation of immune forces for their destruction.
History of the disease
Lymphoma as a pathology was described in the 19th century by Thomas Hodgkin, after which one of the forms of this pathology was named after him. After that, many different forms of this disease were discovered. According to the latest WHO classification, there are about 7 dozens of lymphoma varieties that are grouped into four large groups.
Causes of
The specific reasons for the development of a variety of forms of lymphomas have not yet been identified. There are a number of theories regarding the origin of these malignancies.
First of all, it is a hereditary factor. Scientists have shown that people at risk for developing lymphomas whose nearest relatives are ill or have lymphoma. In addition, this group of tumors can occur in individuals who have:
- Autoimmune disorders;
- A history of surgery with a kidney or stem cell transplant;
- Virus a, Epstein-Barr, hepatitis, herpes, etc.;
- Bacteria Helicobacter pylori;
- Occupation related to direct contact with carcinogens;
- Congenital or acquired immune system defects.
Classification of
The following types of lymphomas are distinguished:
- Hodgkin's lymphoma or lymphogranulomatosis is a special type of lymphatic malignant tumor, which is characterized by a consistent spread from one lymph node to another. Lymphogranulomatosis usually first affects the spleen and lymph nodes, then the pathology is complicated by bright hyperthermia and subsequent extreme exhaustion of the organism with a fatal outcome;
Patient photo with an increase in peripheral lymph nodes with Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas or lymphosarcomas are tumor lymphatic pathologies represented by T-cell and B-cell lymphomas of a malignant nature;
- Lymphedema is a benign condition characterized by edema of soft tissues, due to a violation of outflow of fluid through the lymphatic vessels. The limbs of the arms and legs are most often affected;
- Lymphangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor-like formation formed from the cellular structures of the vessels of the lymphatic system.
Degrees of progression
By degree of progression, isolated:
- Indolent;
- Aggressive lymphomas.
Indolent lymphoma
Indolent lymphomas are called neoplasms of the non-Hodgkin's group, for which a typically slow development. These include such types of pathology as lymphocytic, follicular lymphoma of the spleen( B-cell lymphomas) and fungal mycosis, large-cell anaplastic lymphoma( T-cell lymphomas).Treatment of indolent lymphomas usually has a favorable outcome.
Types of
Depending on the type of lymphoid cells, the following are distinguished:
- B-cell lymphomas;
- T-cell;
- NK-cell lymphomas.
How to identify lymph node cancer by first signs in adults and children
Most often, cancerous processes affect the axillary, cervical and inguinal lymph nodes. To define developing lymphoma in children and adults it is possible on such first signs:
- Swelling of lymph nodes;
- Persistent hyperthermia;
- Pain symptomatology;
- Febrile state characterized by temperature;
- Problems with the operation of the digestive tract;
- Frequent loss of consciousness;
- Cognitive impairment;
- Appearance of itching ulcers;
- Shortness of breath;
- Hyperthermia of the skin;
- Causing weight loss.
Similar symptomatology is characteristic of lymphogranulomatosis. Non-Hodgkin's forms of lymphomas are distinguished by the absence of pain symptoms, but they can be localized in any tissues and organs.
Symptoms of recurrence
The statistics are that relapses in about 40% of patients in the third or fourth year after treatment of lymphoma.
The nature of relapsing symptoms depends on the tactics of the initial treatment. If irradiation was used, the affected lymphocytic cells can migrate to new areas where there were no lesions.
Against the backdrop of chemotherapeutic treatment, the disease recurs again in the previous places. Repeated therapeutic effects are most effective after a multi-year remission period or the passage of adequate radiation therapy.
Stages and prognosis of
Specialists subdivide the course of lymphoma into 4 consecutive stages:
- In the first stage, only one limusal group, organ or tissue is affected;
- In the second stage, the lesion covers 2 or more lymph node groups, but they are located on one side relative to the diaphragm;
- In stage 3 of the lymphoma, the lesion covers several lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm;
- In 4 stages, the entire lymphatic system is affected, malignant lymphocytic cells spread through internal structures, starting with the abdominal cavity, the cancer diffusely passes to other organs.
Metastasis
Lymphomas are distinguished by early metastasis. The lymphogenous metastasis pathway is one of the most common and affordable routes for the rapid spread of cancer throughout all internal organs.
Localization of
Cancerous processes of the lymphatic system can be localized in various areas of the body:
- In soft tissues;
- of the salivary glands;
- Small intestine;
- Kidney tissues;
- In the region of the nasopharynx;
- In the cervical lymph nodes;
- Axillary;
- Inguinal;
- In the chest cavity, etc.
Breast cancer
Occasionally in women, lymphoma is found in the mammary gland. This localization of the tumor is considered the most malignant oncology of the breast from all possible.
Mammary lymphoma is characterized by the formation of a tumor in the breast that does not have clear boundaries. It grows fast, but does not cause pain. In parallel with the growth of education, the size of the lymph node groups over the clavicle, on the neck and under the armpits increases.
The patient is concerned about the following symptoms:
- Frequent dizziness;
- Weight loss;
- Excessive pallor;
- Hyperthermia and fever;
- Hemorrhagic symptoms.
Treatment of dairy lymphoma requires complete removal by a radical method, i.e., together with the breast, muscles and lymph nodes. Prior to surgery, it is mandatory to have a chemotherapy course of treatment.
Thyroid Gland
Lymphoma of the thyroid gland is characterized by an increase in the cervical lymph nodes and the neck itself, the surrounding organs appear to have a compression effect, which is manifested by shortness of breath, hoarseness or sensation of a lump in the pharynx, difficulties in swallowing food.
This localization of lymphoma is characterized by rapid growth and progression. Patients, as a rule, themselves detect a tumor, because the shape of the neck changes markedly. Already in the early stages of lymphoma there is an infiltrating growth pattern, which leads to rapid germination in surrounding tissues.
of the abdominal cavity
Sometimes lymphoma forms in the abdominal region. Such a neoplasm is easy to detect - when palpating the abdominal cavity a characteristic densification is felt. If the enlarged lymph nodes pinch the intestine, then the intestinal obstruction develops.
In addition, there is another symptomatology of lymphoma in the abdominal cavity:
- After a small intake of food in the stomach, overflow is felt;
- The spleen increases in size;
- Appetite disappears, nausea and epigastric pains;
- In the cavity of the peritoneum fluid can accumulate( ascites), flatulence is observed.
With the development of lymphoma, leukocyte, erythrocyte and platelet blood cells decrease, which leads to anemia, bruising and hemorrhage, and a tendency to bleeding.
Diagnosis
One of the important conditions for diagnosis of lymphoma is to find out a family history and the presence of blood oncology among the closest blood relatives. Assign laboratory blood tests, biopsy. In addition, the patient undergoes instrumental diagnostics:
- CT;
- Radiography;
- MRI;
- ultrasound;
- Positron Emission Tomography;
- Radioisotope scanning;
- Lymphoangiogram.
If necessary, bone marrow tests, analyzes for the functionality of internal organs, lumbar puncture, etc. are performed.
Is the tumor curable?
The approach to the treatment of lymphoma is determined according to the type of tumor, its malignancy and localization. The main methods of antidelymph therapy are:
- Chemotherapy - is considered the most commonly used method of treatment. Several drugs are used to destroy malignant cells;Irradiation or radiotherapy. X-rays destroy tumor cells of the tumor, similar to chemotherapy, only the effect is external;
- Biotherapy is an experimental technique based on the use of drugs created from cells of patients with lymphomas. It is assumed that the use of such tools will strengthen protective organic mechanisms for anti-cancer control;
- Bone marrow transplantation is considered to be the most effective technique capable of completely curing a patient;
- Reception of immunostimulating drugs;
- Surgical treatment involves the traditional removal of a tumor, but in front of it the patient usually undergoes chemotherapy.
How many live with this diagnosis and survival prognosis
The final predictions depend on the variety, degree, malignancy of the tumor. Treatment of early stages of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is effective in 95% and lead to persistent and long-term remission. If the remission period lasts 5 years, the further survival rate is of the order of 80%.
Disability
Usually disability with lymphoma can be registered if the patient is on a continuous hospital for 120 or more days. But if lymphoma is diagnosed, the disability registration process can be started immediately after the diagnosis is made.
In addition, such patients are provided with benefits such as quotas for medicines and treatment, rehabilitation law, pension payments on the fact of disability.
Video about symptoms and treatment of lymphoma: