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NHL: At A
Glance
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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.
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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).
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
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The cancer is in a
single area or region, often a
single lymph node, and the area
surrounding it. There are typically
no symptoms.
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Stage II
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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.
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Stage III
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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.
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Stage IV
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Involves one or
more organs, including the bone
marrow or skin. |
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