Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

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Understanding Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma -- the Basics

What Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Lymphoma refers to a malignancy of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of nodes (knots of tissue) connected by vessels. Together, the lymph nodes drain fluid and waste products from the body. The lymph nodes act as tiny filters, removing foreign organisms and cells.

Lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The lymph node function is to prevent infections from entering the bloodstream. When the lymphatic system is fighting an active infection, you may notice that some of lymph nodes in the area of the infection become swollen and tender. This is the body’s normal reaction to an infection.

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Lymphoma,Gastric,Non Hodgkins Type

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Lymphoma occurs when the lymph-node cells or the lymphocytes begin to multiply uncontrollably, producing malignant cells that have the abnormal capacity to invade other tissues throughout your body. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The differences in these two types of lymphoma are certain unique characteristics of the different lymphoma cells.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is further classified into a variety of subtypes based on the cell characteristics (B-cell or T-cell), and the type of the cell causing the lymphoma. The cell characterisitcs predict the necessity of early treatment, the response to treatment, the type of treatment required, and the prognosis.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common than Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.The risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma increases with age. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in males than in females and in Caucasians. The incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is increasing with the passage of time. The United States has the highest incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Causes Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The exact cause of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is unknown. However, there are multiple medical conditions that are associated with an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma:

Inherited immune deficiencies: ataxia-telangectasia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, common variable immunodeficiency, severe combined immunodeficiency, and X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome
Genetic syndromes: Down syndrome, Klinefelter's syndrome (a genetic condition in men caused by an extra X chromosome)
Immune disorders, and their treatments: Sjögren's syndrome (an immune disorder characterized by unusual dryness of mucus membranes), rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus
Celiac disease, a disease involving the processing of certain components of gluten, a protein in grains
Inflammatory bowel disease, particularly Crohn’s disease, and its treatment
Psoriasis
Family history of lymphoma
Bacteria: Helicobacter pylori, asssociated with gastritis and gastric ulcers; Borrelia burgdorferi, associated with Lyme disease; Campylobacter jejuni; Chalmydia psittaci
Viruses: HIV, HTLV-1, SV-40, HHV-8, Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis virus
Non-random chromosomal translocations and molecular rearrangements

Other Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Risk Factors Include:

Chemical exposure: arsenic, lead, vinyl chloride, asbestos, insecticides, pesticides and weed killers, wood preservatives, organic chemicals, and solvents
Exposure to nuclear accidents, nuclear testing, or underground radiation leaks
Treatment with immunosuppressant drugs, for prevention of organ transplantation rejection, or for treatment of inflamatory and autoimmune disorders
Tumor necrosis factor agents used to treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease
Prior exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiation used to treat a prior diagnosis of cancer
Treatment with a medication called Dilantin (phenytoin), commonly used to treat seizure disorders
Use of hair dyes, especially dark and permanent colors, used before 1980
High levels of nitrates found in drinking water
Diets high in fat and meat products
Ultraviolet light exposure
Alcohol intake