Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Medtick

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

What is it?

An uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body and is part of your immune system.


The lymphatic system

A clear fluid called lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains infection-fighting white blood cells known as lymphocytes, it is found in:

  • Lymph nodes: bean-sized collections of lymphocytes found in small groups throughout the body, including inside the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. They can sometimes be felt under the skin in the neck, under the arms, and in the groin.
  • Thymus: a small organ behind the upper part of the breastbone and in front of the heart.
  • Spleen: an organ under the lower part of the rib cage on the left side of the body.
  • Tonsils and adenoids: collections of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat.
  • Bone marrow: the soft inner part of certain bones
  • Digestive tract: the stomach and intestines
  • Liver

  • In non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the affected lymphocytes start to multiply (an unknown reason) in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands).
  • The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.

NHS Choices

  • Hodgkin lymphoma can itself be subdivided into two forms: classic Hodgkin lymphoma, which accounts for 95% of cases, and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • The simplest way of classifying non-Hodgkin lymphomas is by the cell of origin.
  • More than 90% originate in B-lymphocytes, with less than 10% being T-cell or NK cell lymphomas.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

There is a cancer called Hodgkin’s lymphoma these are  marked by the presence of specific white blood cells called Reed-Sternberg cells, and is a more rare condition.

  • Symptoms include:
    • Cervical or supraclavicular nodes in the neck.
    • About 25% of patients present with the three ‘B symptoms’: night sweats, unexplained fever and weight loss of more than 10% over six months.
    • Other presenting features include fatigue, itching and alcohol-induced pain.

Others include:

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

  • Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is one of several types of lymphoma (i.e. Mycosis Fungoides,- Alibert-Bazin syndrome, Sezary syndrome) collectively called non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma .
  • A rare type of cancer that begins in white blood cells called T cells (T lymphocytes). These cells normally help your body’s germ-fighting immune system.
  • Males tend to have it more than females.
If one needs vaccinations for travelling abroad or as general routine, please let your Healthcare professional who will provide such a service and let them know you have this condition.

Cause

Treatments

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiotherapy

Syndromes

Symptoms

  • Enlarged lymph node on the side of your neck or in your underarm (armpit) and/or collarbone and/ or groin area and/or reoccurring mouth ulcers?
  • Hard Painless lump and/or not moving and and/or is becoming larger?
  • Abdominal pain and/or are constant violently vomiting or vomiting longer than two days (one day if a child)?
  • Abdominal swelling?
  • Chest pain?
  • Dry cough longer than three weeks or breathing difficulties?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Night sweats?
  • Weight loss?

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (skin rash)

  • Round patches of skin that may be raised or scaly?
  • Rash might be itchy, painful and may affect one’s sleep and/or daily routine?

After a few months to years:

  • Patches of skin that appear lighter in colour than surrounding skin?
  • Bluish-red  circular and/or oval patches typically on non-sun exposed areas i.e. buttocks?
  • Plaques (bumps become larger) and form together?
  • Bluish, red-brown lumps ‘that appear like mushrooms’ that form on the skin and may break open and are of sizes 1 to 15 cm in diameter?
  • Enlarged lymph nodes?
  • Hair loss?
  • Thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet?
  • A rash-like skin redness over the entire body that is intensely itchy?

Nail changes:

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:


This condition has been associated with:


This condition can cause the symptom:


If one needs vaccinations for travelling abroad or as general routine, please let your Healthcare professional who will provide such a service and let them know you have this condition.

Driving Authority


H.I.V test

  • A H.I.V test should be offered if one has this condition.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Lumps on the skin may show similar symptoms to:

Cutaneous T- cell lymphoma may show similar symptom to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • Medscape

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • ChatGPT

    Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Fit for Travel

    Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies