Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma(NHL) - Symptoms, Causes,Treatments, Prevention & Cure

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or NHL is a cancer of the lymphoid tissue, a part of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic system is a part if immune system, to fight against the infection and diseases that attack the human body. Lymph’s or lymph nodes are present in different parts of the body.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are the cancer of the lymphoid tissue, which is lymph nodes, spleen and other organs of the immune system, sometimes also called lymphoma. The major tissue in the lymphatic system is the lymph node. They make and store lymphocytes, the white blood cells that act as immunity against various infections or diseases. They are connected to each other in the body by blood vessel like tubes called lymph vessels. These lymph vassels carry a colorless watery fluid that contains lymphocats. Finally, this fluid id emptied in the blood vassal of upper chest.

Function of Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a part of immune system and acts as body’s guard against various infections and diseases. It comprises of various or organs such as bone marrow, the thymus and the spleen and the network of lymph nodes that pass present in the body connected by lymphatic nodes. Lymph nodes are also called lymph glands that fight the infection that invades the body and are present in different part of the body.

Causes of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

There can be various causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma:

Hereditary

It can be inherited from parents as well with certain types of DNA mutations. But the possibility of inheriting this disease is very less.

Low Immune Ssystem

It can occur as result of low immunity in the body due to an organ transplant or due to weakens in the body.

Translocation

Another type of DNA abnormality that leads to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It means that DNA from one chromosome gets separated and gets attached to other chromosome. Due to this the suppressors may be turned off and immunity weakens.

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Enlarges lymph nodes such as in the neck or armpit

• Fever
• Increase in sweating
• Weight loss
• Severe itchiness

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Diagnosis

Several tests are undertaken to indicate NHL

• Blood culture showing abnormal white cells
• A CBC with a difference
• A biopsy of the lymph node
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Ultra sound to see the enlarged lymph nodes

Some tests are also done in order to check the extent of the disease and to know on which stage the disease is;

• Physical examination
• CT scan of the chest
• Liver biopsy
• Blood tests
• A PET scan
• MRI or other X-ray study

Treatment Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Treatment is given according to the stage of the disease. Mild infection of the disease does not need any special treatment unless it causes problems. It also depends on the age of the person who is affected with the disease.

• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Bone marrow transplant may be an option in certain cases.
• The stress of illness can be shared by people experiencing same problem.
• Surgery is the last option to remove the lymph nodes in organs such as thyroid and stomach.
• Biological therapy includes use of interferon that helps the body to reduce the growth of abnormal cells and strengthens immunity in the body. It can also be injected in the vein or muscle. The side effects include fever, dizziness, shivering, muscle pain and flu-like symptoms.

It can be said that this condition mainly results from the body’s weak immunity system and any medication given has to be first administered to restore body immunity and then to fight the disease.