Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Like most cancers, this type of cancer strikes without warning. Many people are concerned about their health, and devote a lot of time and energy into adopting a healthy lifestyle that will reduce their risk of certain illnesses and cancers. For example, researchers and physicians have concluded that regular exercise and moderate consumption of meats reduces the odds of developing cancers. In addition, eating a healthy portion of certain fruits and vegetables are thought to also reduce the risk. However, despite lifestyle changes, illnesses such as cancer are very random and can strike anyone.

What is the Lymphatic System?

In order to have a better understanding of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, one must also understand what the lymphatic system is, and how it works. The lymphatic system works in harmony with the body's immune system. Its primary function is to help the body fight infections. The lymphatic vessels connect to tissues in the body. Through these vessels travels lymph. Lymph is a fluid that consists of cells that fight infections. The lymphatic system also includes small organs called lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are located on various parts of the body including under the arm, neck, groin, chest, and abdomen.

What is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer that begins in the cells of the lymph nodes. Cells are a vital part of life. In normal circumstances, cells will occasionally divide and spread. This is not an ongoing process. When we become ill or suffer injuries, healthy cells within our bodies die. It is only when this occurs that new cells form. The purpose of healthy cells is to fight infections and keep us healthy. On rare occasions, healthy cells will unnecessarily divide or grow. The abnormal growth of cells gradually forms a small mass or tumor. There are two types of tumors. Many automatically associate tumors with cancer. However, a large number of tumors are non-cancerous. Non-cancerous tumors, or benign tumors, develop from an overgrowth of healthy cells. When cells divide abnormally, and causes the death of healthy cells, the tumor is cancerous or malignant. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may develop in any part of body. If left untreated, this cancer may spread to other parts of the body such as the liver, spleen, or bone marrow.

History of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was named after Thomas Hodgkin's, a renowned pathologist. The first case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was diagnosed in 1832. Hodgkin's devoted much time to studying the lymphatic system. He chronicled his findings in several essays including "On Some Morbid Appearances." His researched thus proved that certain enlargements of the lymph nodes were due to malignancy. Prior to his theory, many assumed that all swelling of the lymph nodes was caused by infections.

Causes/Risk Factors

Because many illnesses including cancers are random, researchers are unable to pinpoint any specific causes. Many theories state that genetic factors and environmental factors increase a person's chances of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. There is no way to be certain about the causes; however, there are factors that increase a person's risk. These risk factors include:

• Sex: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common in males
• Age: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma typically develops during adult years
• Weak Immune System: Risk increases for those living with an autoimmune disease, HIV, or AIDS
• Environmental exposure: Individuals exposed to asbestos, pesticides, fertilizers, and other harsh chemicals have a greater risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Family history of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Having one or more risk factors does not imply that one will develop this type of cancer. On the other hand, a low risk for non-Hodgkin does not suggest exemption from the illness. Those concerned about non-Hodgkin's lymphoma should regularly confer with their physician. Swelling or enlargement in the lymph nodes must be taken seriously.

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The answer to fully recovering from any type of cancer is receiving an early diagnosis. Thus, it is important to recognize the signs of malignancies. The first sign of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is generally a painful swelling in the groin, underarm, or neck Individuals who experience neck swelling may assume that the enlargement is due to a cold, infection, and so forth. However, swelling that remains for several days should be examined by a doctor. As the cancer progresses, other symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Nigh sweats
• Weight loss
• Skin rash
• Fatigue

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, do not assume the worse. Other conditions such as a bad cold or the flu produce similar indicators. Still, these symptoms should be examined to rule out a more serious, potentially life-threatening illness.

Diagnosing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

In some instances, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is suspected during routine physicals. Doctors will generally check for lumps or swelling. If a lump is detected, patients will have to undergo a series of tests to determine the culprit. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CAT scans, and MRI are necessary because they provide detail pictures of the inside of the body. Additional tests, such as a Lymphangiogram is intended to provide images of the lymphatic system. A biopsy is necessary in order to confirm non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. During a biopsy, tissue samples are removed from the lymph nodes. These samples are examined by a pathologist for signs of cancerous cells. Pathologists and physicians will classify lymphoma based on microscopic findings. These finding will determine the rate of progression or stage of non-Hodgkin's. This type of cancer is either aggressive (spreads rapidly), or indolent (slow progressing).

Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Treatment for non-Hodgkin's depends on the cancer stage, or severity. Individuals diagnosed in the very early stages will likely not undergo treatment. In this case, the cancer is generally indolent, thus immediate treatment is not necessary. However, as the cancer advances, physicians will recommend either chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Chemotherapy consists of a group of drugs that are intended to kill cancerous cells and prevent the growth of new cancerous cells. Radiation therapy has the same purpose; however, this method of treatment is also effective with shrinking tumors.

Patients that suffer recurrent bouts of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may require a bone marrow transplant. Chemotherapy and radiation are high dosage treatments that may severely damage healthy cells. A bone marrow transplant is effective because the marrow will produce healthy cells, which protects the patient against infections.

Side Effects of Treatment

Although chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and a bone marrow transplant are life saving measures, these treatments do come with a price. Similar to other drugs and treatments, there are certain risks or side effects associated with each of these three methods. It is important for physicians to inform patients of all possible side effects. Moreover, cancer patients should inquire about these side effects.

• Chemotherapy: Side effects caused by this drug include anemia, poor appetite, nausea, weight loss, hair loss, vomiting, mouth and lip sores, bruising easily, infertility, cessation of menstrual cycle, and vaginal dryness.

• Radiation Therapy: Side effects caused by radiation include extreme fatigue, darkening of skin, numbness in limbs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood count.

• Bone Marrow Transplant: The most common side effect associated with this treatment method is infection. In addition, the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patient's body may reject or attack the donor's marrow.