World Lymphoma Awareness Day, observed annually on September 15 across the world to increase awareness on cancers of the lymphatic system, is initiated to educate the public about all lymphoma sub-types in terms of symptom detection, early diagnosis, and treatment. The Lymphoma Coalition is the organisation behind the worldwide campaign, which is held on this day to raise awareness about lymphoma, a kind of cancer that is becoming more widespread.
Lymphoma is a cancer
which affects the lymphatic system, means, it is a form of cancer which is
developed in the immune system's cells that resist infections. These cancers
develop in lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell which help fight
disease. These cells are crucial to the body's immunological defences and aid
in the battle against illness. This form of cancer may easily spread to several
tissues and organs throughout the body since it is prevalent in the lymphatic
system. Most frequently the lymphoma spreads to liver, bone marrow, or lungs.
People of any age group can develop lymphoma.
There are two main types
of lymphoma:
a) Hodgkin lymphoma
b) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Within
these, there are many other categories.
Non-Hodgkin
lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is
a type of cancer that develops in your lymphatic system, which is a component
of the body's immune system that fights infection. White blood cells called
lymphocytes can develop tumours (growths) throughout the body.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
category includes a wide variety of subtypes. Among the most prevalent subtypes
are follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma makes up 4.2% of all
cancers in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the
lifetime risk of developing it is 2.2%.
Hodgkin
lymphoma
Doctors can recognize
Hodgkin lymphoma, an immune system malignancy, by the presence of
Reed-Sternberg cells, which are disproportionately large B lymphocytes. When a
person has Hodgkin lymphoma, the disease frequently spreads to nearby lymph
nodes.
Symptoms
Lymphoma has symptoms
that are identical to some viral illnesses, such the common cold. They often go
on for a longer duration, though. Occasionally, people won't have any
symptoms. Others could see swollen lymph nodes. Swelling often develops in
neck, groin, belly, or armpits.
The swellings frequently
have little discomfort. If the swollen glands press against bones, organs, or
other tissues, they could become uncomfortable. Back pain and lymphoma can
sometimes be confused.
During common infections
like the common cold, lymph nodes can also enlarge. The swelling does not go
away with lymphoma. If the swelling has developed as a result of an infection,
pain is also more likely to accompany it.
No routine screenings are
available for lymphoma. A person should contact a doctor if they continue to
have viral symptoms. The physician will enquire about the patient's personal
and family medical history in an effort to rule out any other illnesses.
Additionally, they will perform a physical examination, looking for any
potential swellings in the armpits, groin, neck, and abdomen. The doctor will
search for indications of infection close to lymph nodes because this is the
most common cause of swelling.