Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Fact Sheet

 NHL: At A Glance
 Worldwide
  • Approximately 4.5 million people world-wide are living with various forms of lymphoma.
  • NHL is the third fastest growing cancer in the world.
  • NHL incidence rates are higher in Western Europe, North America, and Australia.
 United States
  • More than 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with NHL in 2004.
  • Approximately 300,000 Americans are diagnosed and living with NHL.
  • An estimated 19,400 Americans will die of NHL in 2004.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. A vital part of the immune system, the lymphatic system is a network of thin vessels that branch into tissues throughout the body and help fight disease and infection (see picture).

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Along the network, small organs called lymph nodes are clustered in the abdomen, chest, groin, and neck. A colorless and watery fluid called lymph circulates through the system carrying infection-fight-ing cells called lymphocyctes. When these cells divide and multiply uncontrollably, malignant tumors can form. Since lymph is carried throughout the body, NHL may form anywhere and can spread easily to other parts of the lymphatic system, including the tonsils, stomach, skin, intestines and bone marrow.

Lymphocytes: The Key to Understanding NHL It is the millions of lymphocytes, or small white blood cells, that are responsible for defending the body against infection. There are two types of these cells, each with its own role within the immune system:

  • B-cells--These cells secrete substances called antibodies that attach to bacteria and toxic cells, but are not able to penetrate these living cells
  • T-cells--In contrast to B-cells, these cells directly attack cells that are carrying viruses or malignant cells

 

Although both types of cells can develop into NHL, B-cell forms of the disease are more common, comprising 85 percent of all cases.

Causes of NHL The exact cause of NHL remains unknown; however, research has focused on at least four possible factors that may contribute to the development of lymphoma, including genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, viruses such as AIDS, and exposure to carcinogens, such as herbicides or pesticides.

Signs and Symptoms The symptoms of NHL include swollen lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits or groin), coughing, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, fever, profuse sweating (particularly at night), and/or severe itchiness. These symptoms may be mistaken as signs of noncancerous problems like infections, making awareness of the signs and symptoms essential. There are no tests for early detection of NHL and an accurate diagnosis of NHL only can be made from a biopsy.

Types of NHL There are more than 30 different sub-types of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that are categorized by several prognostic factors, including size, rate of growth and areas affected. Current treatments for NHL include "watch and wait," chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplantation and a therapeutic antibody therapy. Exactly which course of therapy a physician recommends depends on one or more of the following critical factors:

1. Stage There are four stages of NHL that characterize where the cancer has spread in the body.

Stage I
 The cancer is in a single area or region, often a single lymph node, and the area surrounding it. There are typically no symptoms.
Stage II
 More than one lymph node area on one side of the diaphragm or one lymph node region plus a nearby area or organ is involved.
Stage III
 Involves lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm and one organ or area near the lymph nodes, the spleen, or other organ or area is involved.
Stage IV
 Involves one or more organs, including the bone marrow or skin.

gene.com/gene/products/education/oncology/non-hodgkins-facts.jsp
Following Are Some Of The Risk Factors Associated With This Disease:
Age/Sex--The likelihood of getting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increases with age and is more common in men than in women.
 

Weakened Immune System--

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common among people with inherited immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or HIV/AIDS, and among people taking immunosuppressant drugs following organ transplants.
Viruses--Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) and Epstein-Barr virus are two infectious agents that increase the chance of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
 

Environment--

People who work extensively with or are otherwise exposed to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, solvents, or fertilizers, have a greater chance of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

personalmd.com/news/nonhodgkinpart2_1229000.shtml

More