Description

Lymphatic cancer, or lymphoma, is a type of blood cancer that originates in the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow). It involves uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), leading to tumors and immune dysfunction. Types of Lymphoma 1. Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) Key Feature: Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells (abnormal B cells). Subtypes: Classical HL (most common, includes nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity). Nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL (rare, slow-growing). Typical Age: Bimodal (peaks at 20–30 and >55 years). 2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) More common (90% of lymphomas). Subtypes: Aggressive (fast-growing): Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Burkitt lymphoma. Indolent (slow-growing): Follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). Typical Age: Risk increases with age (>60). Causes & Risk Factors Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, organ transplant). Infections: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), H. pylori, hepatitis C. Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease). Chemical exposure (pesticides, benzene). Family history. Symptoms (“B Symptoms”) Painless swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin). Unexplained fever, night sweats, weight loss (>10% in 6 months). Fatigue, itching (pruritus). Abdominal pain/swelling (if spleen/liver affected). Diagnosis Biopsy (Excisional lymph node biopsy is gold standard). Blood Tests (CBC, LDH, beta-2 microglobulin). Imaging: CT/PET-CT (staging, detects spread). Bone marrow biopsy (for advanced cases). Molecular Tests (Flow cytometry, cytogenetics).

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