TL;DR:
- Lymphomas are the 6th most common cancer, originating in the lymphatic system. They account for 2% of all malignancies.
- Types: Aggressive lymphomas (curable) and chronic lymphomas (mostly incurable). Common types include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Causes: Genetic errors in lymphocytes; risk factors include viral/bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, immunosuppression, radiation exposure, and toxic substances.
- Symptoms: Enlarged, painless lymph nodes, fever, cough, persistent symptoms >2 weeks, or skin itching. Late diagnosis lowers cure chances.
- Stages: 1 (single lymph node group) to 4 (bone marrow involvement).
- Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or bone marrow transplants (autotransplantation/allotransplantation).
- Advances: Targeted therapies like Brentuximab vedotin show promise for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Early detection improves cure rates (40-70% for intermediate-stage non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma).
Lymphomas are the most common blood cancers, accounting for 2% of the incidence of all malignancies. Thus, it is the sixth most common cancer in adults. Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. They sometimes produce symptoms that resemble the flu or the common cold, mononucleosis or atopic dermatitis.
How lymphomas form
The human lymphatic system is made up of cells, tissues and organs that are tasked with eliminating foreign microorganisms and cells. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, thymus, tonsils, spleen and bone marrow, among others. The lymphatic system is also responsible for the production of white blood cells (lymphocytes), which play a key role in the formation and regulation of the human immune system. If an error occurs at the stage of lymphocyte formation or maturation, the lymphocytes are transformed into a cancerous cell, which multiplies where it is located (usually in the lymph nodes). This is when lymphoma develops. lymphoma Lymphomas are malignant tumors that are divided into aggressive lymphomas (i.e., lymphomas that develop very quickly and require prompt treatment) and chronic lymphomas (i.e., lymphomas that develop for years, often asymptomatically). Acute lymphomas can be cured, while it is virtually impossible to cure chronic lesions entirely. The most common types of lymphoma are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma called malignant lymphoma. They usually occur in early adulthood (20 – 35 years old) or after the age of 50.
Causes of lymphomas
Although the direct causes of lymphomas are not known, it is known that the change of a healthy lymphocyte into a cancerous cell occurs when a genetic error occurs in the lymphocyte. There are certain risk factors for these diseases – viral infections, chronic bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, immunocompromised states, a history of radiation and chemotherapy treatment, and prolonged contact with toxic substances.
Symptoms of the disease
The most common symptoms of lymphoma include enlarged lymph nodes (located above the diaphragm), cough and fever. This is why this disease is very often mistaken for an ordinary cold or flu. With a cold, on the other hand, the lymph nodes are painful and red, while with lymphadenopathy they are not. If any of the symptoms mentioned are present for more than 2 weeks, it should be a signal to consult a doctor immediately. A common symptom of lymphomas is itching of the skin, which is mistaken for dermatitis or allergy. It is very common for lymphomas to be diagnosed at a significant stage due to their non-specific symptoms. Late diagnosis of lymphomas reduces the chances of a cure.
Primary cutaneous lymphomas
A special type of cancer is primary cutaneous lymphomas, which are malignant proliferations of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and NK cells. At the time of diagnosis, they are confined only to the cutaneous coat. Their cause is not precisely understood. The effect of environmental factors is taken into account – although the influence of UV rays, X-rays, tobacco smoke or alcohol has not been unequivocally proven.
Stages of lymphomas
During the development of lymphomas, we can distinguish 4 stages. Grade 1 occurs when a single group of lymph nodes is involved. Grade 2 is when two or more groups of lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm are involved. When the disease already involves two sides of the diaphragm, we speak of stage 3, and when there is bone marrow involvement, we speak of stage 4.
Lymphoma treatment
If lymphoma is suspected, the doctor orders histopathological examination of the lymph nodes. Treatment, however, does not depend on the stage of the disease. If the disease is not very advanced (stage 1 and 2), 2 – 3 series of chemotherapy are used, which can be further enhanced by radiotherapy of the involved lymph node. If the disease has already reached a more advanced stage (stage 3 and 4), then 6-8 courses of chemotherapy and mandatory radiotherapy are used. Unfortunately, it so happens that patients are resistant to treatment, and 20% of them develop relapse. In this case, the solution is bone marrow transplantation. Two methods of transplantation are used – autotransplantation and allotransplantation. The former method involves taking the patient's own stem cells, which, after intensive chemotherapy, are administered back to the patient. About 50% of patients can be cured this way. Allotransplantation, on the other hand, involves transplanting bone marrow from a foreign donor. Unfortunately, none of the aforementioned methods guarantees 100% that the disease will not relapse.
New possibilities thanks to medical advances
Thanks to advances in medicine, patients undergoing cancer treatment are gaining new hope. In recent years, a novel targeted therapy has been registered and successfully used in treating patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. One of the hopes to defeat lymphoma is also the drug Brentuximab vedotin – a monoclonal antibody conjugated to a toxin. After the antibody binds to the cell membrane, the toxin makes its way inside the cancer cell, where it acts on microtubules – essential for cell division. In this way, the granuloma cells can no longer divide. Brentuximab vedotin provides a drug that acts selectively and targets diseased cells.
The most important element when treating lymphoma
Diagnosis of lymphoma occurs in patients of all ages. It is a difficult moment, and patients often do not know how to deal with the disease, their own emotions, anger and anxiety. Patients break down thinking that they will die before they can realize their plans and dreams. Lymphomas, however, are a disease that can be completely cured and, like many other cancers, are nowadays chronic rather than fatal diseases. Of course – the earlier the disease is detected, the better the prognosis and chances of a cure. In the case of intermediate-stage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the chances of cure are 40-70% of patients. So do not be afraid of diagnosis and absolutely do not delay a visit to the doctor when you notice worrying symptoms.
Conclusion
Lymphomas are complex but increasingly treatable cancers of the immune system. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment options can improve outcomes. Early detection plays a key role in successful therapy, so don’t ignore persistent symptoms. Advances in medicine, including targeted therapies, are bringing new hope to patients. While lymphoma can be frightening, it’s not a death sentence. With proper treatment and timely care, many people achieve remission or live well with the disease. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and seek medical attention when needed—knowledge and action save lives.
