Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph system which is part of our immunity. It is characterized by the formation of solid tumors in the immune system.
The cancer affects immune cells called lymphocytes which are white blood cells. There are two types of lymphoma;
(1) Hodgkin's
(2) Non-Hodgkin's
Lymphoma can occur at any age but unfortunately it is the most common cancer in young people. It is often very treatable and most people live for a long time after being diagnosed.
Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur at any age affects more men than women and the majority are often cured. It is diagnosed when a special type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell is seen under the microscope.
While the Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for all the other types of lymphoma. These can be high grade or low grade also the treatment and prognosis varies. Lymphoma is subjected to the exposure to radiation and certain chemicals puts some people at higher risk. For people whose immune system is suppressed, exposure to virus such as the epstein-Barr virus or HIV increases the risk of developing lymphoma.
Well some signs of lymphoma,
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; what causes it.....
Age: most Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas affect people of ages 60years and above.
Sex: there are different rates of different kinds of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma across the sexes.
Location: for example in the United States African American and Asian Americans are less prone than white Americans and is weird cause the disease is more common in developed nations.
Non-radiation: some chemicals used in agriculture have been linked as has nuclear radiation exposure.
Immune deficiency: eg caused by HIV infection or in organ transplantation.
Autoimmune disease: in which the immune system tracks and attacks the bodies own cells.
Infection: certain bacterial and viral infections increase the risk of contact.
Now what causes Hodgkin's lymphoma;
Age: there are two specific groups which are mostly affected , people in their 20s and people over the age of 55 years.
Infectious mononucleosis: infection with Epstein-Barr virus.
Location: it is mist common in the united States, Canada and the northern part of Europe but least common in Asia.
Family: if a sibling has the condition the risk is slightly higher and very high if there is an identical twin.
HIV infection: if a person is infected with the HIV/AIDS virus.
Now the risk factors for Hodgkin's lymphoma include; infection with Epstein-Barr virus and a history of the disease in the family. Risk factors for common types of Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas include autoimmune diseases. It also has a risk factor with HIV & AIDS infection with human T-lymphotropic virus, immune suppressant medications and some pesticides also eating large amount of red meat may increase the risk.
So once again thanks so much for reading my post, I hope you've learnt a lot about lymphoma and if there's any question or addition please feel free to comment below.
Reference
