Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer in the world. It affects the lymph system of the body, which houses a certain type of infection-fighting white blood cells (WBCs) called lymphocytes. A mutation may cause a lymphocyte to become cancerous and thereby replicate itself at a faster rate than normal, healthy lymphocytes. Statistics show that lymphoma is the most common form of cancer among teenagers and young adults.

The lymph system in the body is responsible for helping rid the body of toxins as well as transporting WBCs to fight germs that invade the body. The lymph tissues are found in the spleen, bone marrow, thymus gland, heart, lungs, intestine, and liver. Thus, lymphoma may affect any of these organs. Science has classified lymphoma into two main types, which include Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The rarer form of this cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) affects lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells. The symptoms of this form of lymphoma include the following:

• Sudden weight loss
• Fever and chills
• Constant fatigue in spite of having rested well
• Pain in the lymph nodes after consuming alcohol
• A swelling of the lymph nodes

This type of lymphoma arises in the neck, underarms, and chest areas.

While lymphoma in itself develops due to a genetic mutation, medical research has shown that certain factors increase a person’s risk for developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These include having contracted the Epstein-Barr virus, having HIV/AIDS, or a family history of lymphoma. Statistics also show that men are more vulnerable to developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma as compared to women.

This type of lymphoma is diagnosed through a series of tests that include a physical examination of swollen lymph nodes, blood tests, X-Ray, or CT scans. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy or lymph node biopsy is required. If cancer is detected, the doctor then assigns a stage to it—stage I being the least severe and stage IV being the most advanced.

Statistics show that Hodgkin’s lymphoma is usually detected early on. In fact, it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Its treatment involves chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy to kill the cancerous cells. In some cases, you may be advised to go for a bone marrow transplant.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a type of blood cancer that covers all other forms of lymphoma excluding Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is a relatively more common form of lymphoma. In the country, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the sixth most common type of cancer among both, men and women. Symptoms of this type of lymphoma are similar to those of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and include the following.

• Sudden weight loss
• Fever and chills
• Constant fatigue
• Pain in the lymph nodes after consuming alcohol
• Bone pain
• Chest pain
• A swelling of the lymph nodes

Unlike Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may occur in the lymph nodes throughout the body.

The risk factors that up one’s chances of developing this form of lymphoma include infections of the Epstein-Barr virus, having HIV/AIDS, a family history of lymphoma, poor immunity, obesity, Hepatitis C, and an infection of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Certain studies have shown that an excessive exposure to pesticides used to kill weeds and insects puts a person in a higher risk group for developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is diagnosed through certain tests including a physical examination to check for swollen lymph nodes as well as a swollen liver, blood tests to detect cancer, and imaging tests such as CT Scan, MRI, or X-Ray as required. In some cases, the tests may include a bone marrow biopsy or a lymph node biopsy.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually goes unnoticed and is detected in an advanced stage of cancer. Once the doctor determines the stage of cancer, its treatment is administered through chemotherapy and radiation therapy.