About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
By Wefayo on
Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• NHL
• Lymphoma
What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body's immune system. These cells are found in lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, and other parts of the body. When someone has NHL, their lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors in lymph tissues.
There are many different types of NHL, with over 60 subtypes in total. These can be broadly categorized into two main groups:
• B-cell lymphomas. About 85-90% of NHL cases are B-cell lymphomas.
• T-cell lymphomas
The disease can be classified as aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow-growing).
NHL usually starts in lymph nodes or other lymph tissue, but it can sometimes affect the skin or other organs. The symptoms can vary depending on where the cancer develops, but common signs include:
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Night sweats (drenching)
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
The exact cause of NHL is unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. These include:
• Weakened immune system
• Certain infections (like Epstein-Barr virus or HIV)
• Exposure to certain chemicals
• Older age; NHL is more common in adults over 60, though it can occur at any age
Doctors diagnose NHL through a combination of
• Physical exams
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies (like CT scans)
• Biopsies of affected tissue
The type and stage of NHL determine the treatment approach. Common treatments include
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• And in some cases, stem cell transplants
The prognosis for NHL varies widely depending on the specific type and how advanced it is when diagnosed. Some slow-growing types might not need immediate treatment and can be managed with a "watch and wait" approach. Other fast-growing types require prompt and aggressive treatment. Thanks to advances in treatment, many people with NHL are living longer and have a better quality of life than in the past.
Trend
• In the United States, the NHL is the sixth most common cancer.
• The American Cancer Society estimates that about 80,470 people (44,120 males and 36,350 females) will be diagnosed with NHL in 2022.
• As for the number of people living with NHL in the US, it's estimated that over 700,000 people are living with, or in remission from, NHL in the United States as of 2022.
• In the last five years (2017-2021), approximately 375,000 new cases of NHL were diagnosed in the United States.
• Looking ahead five years, if current trends continue, we might expect to see around 85,000-90,000 new cases of NHL diagnosed annually in the US by 2027.
History
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma was first described in the 1800s, but it wasn't until the 1960s that it was clearly distinguished from Hodgkin lymphoma. The term "non-Hodgkin lymphoma" was coined to group together all lymphomas that weren't Hodgkin lymphoma.
Over the years, our understanding of NHL has greatly improved, leading to better classification systems and more effective treatments. In the 1970s and 1980s, new chemotherapy regimens improved survival rates. The 1990s saw the introduction of targeted therapies like rituximab, which revolutionized treatment for many B-cell lymphomas.
Ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of NHL and develop new treatment strategies, including immunotherapies and personalized medicine approaches.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - Source of Information
• American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about.html
• Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15662-non-hodgkin-lymphoma
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society https://bloodcancerunited.org/blood-cancer/lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-nhl
• Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/non-hodgkins-lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375680
• National Library of Medicine https://medlineplus.gov/lymphoma.html
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.