Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

What are Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas?

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are a group of cancers that affect the immune system. With over 20 different types, this is the most common lymphoma among children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphomas can vary depending on the specific type of lymphoma and the location of the cancer in the body. However, some common symptoms may include:

• swelling of the lymph nodes (lymph glands): Lymph nodes are small nodules whose main function is to filter substances from the body. They may become enlarged in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin
• persistent fever with no apparent cause
• unexplained weight loss
• fatigue: feeling tired or lacking energy, even after adequate rest, is a common symptom of many types of  cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Causes

Although the exact cause of non-Hodgkin lymphomas is not yet fully understood, there are some known risk factors that may increase the chances of developing this condition:

• weakened immune system: especially after organ transplants or other conditions that compromise the immune system
• viral infections: such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which are associated with a higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• exposure to chemicals: such as pesticides, organic solvents, chemicals used in the manufacturing of paints, plastics, and rubber, as well as petroleum-derived products, may increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma Benzene, in particular, is a chemical substance that has been linked to a higher risk of NHL

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually requires a variety of exams and tests to confirm the presence of the disease and determine the specific type of  lymphoma. The main methods used in the diagnosis of NHL are:

• physical exams and medical history
• blood tests: these may be performed to check the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, and to look for signs of inflammation that may indicate the presence of lymphoma
• lymph node biopsy: this is done to confirm the diagnosis of lymphoma. It involves removing a sample of the lymph node for microscopic analysis
• imaging tests: such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be performed to assess the size of the lymphoma and identify affected areas in the body

Treatment

Treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphomas can vary considerably based on the specific type, stage of the disease, the patient’s age, and overall health. Generally, treatment may involve a combination of therapies, including:

• chemotherapy: this is the main treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It involves the use of drugs to fight cancer cells
• CAR-T: CAR-T therapy is an innovative approach in the treatment of some types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It reprograms the body’s defense cells to fight the disease
• radiation therapy: uses high-energy radiation to fight cancer. It is often used to treat specific areas of the body where the cancer is located, such as the lymph nodes themselves
• immunotherapy: also known as biological therapy, it may use medications to help the immune system fight cancer. This may include the use of antibodies, targeted therapies, or other approaches

Einstein Oncology and Hematology offers comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment. Learn more.

Prevention

Prevention of non-Hodgkin lymphomas generally involves adopting healthy habits, such as:

• maintaining a healthy weight
• exercising regularly
• avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption

It is also important to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals whenever possible and to practice safety measures at work, especially in environments where there is exposure to substances that may trigger cancer.
 

References

 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - National Cancer Institute (INCA)

 By Einstein Editorial Board