Lymphomas are a group of cancers belonging to the blood system. They are treated using immuno-chemotherapy and radiation treatment. But despite best management nearly a quarter of lymphoma patients are not cured of the disease or it comes back. Hence early detection and prevention plays a major role in disease management. Early detection will help the patient in avoiding toxic and prolonged treatments and results in better survival. Awareness of the symptoms and signs is crucial for early diagnosis.
Signs & symptoms include
1. Neck/ armpit swelling (lymph nodes)
2. Abdominal pain and swelling
3. Breathing difficulty
4. Loss of appetite
5. Fever, night chills
6. Weight loss and fatigue
7. Skin changes such as rash, scaling
These symptoms can be present in a wide spectrum of disorders hence awareness is important regarding disease. Symptoms are to be taken into consideration and when present, one should visit a qualified physician for evaluation. There are certain risk factors that increase the chance of developing lymphoma.
Risk factors include
1. Viral infection such as HIV infection, EBV ( Epstein Barr virus) virus, hepatitis C virus
2. Solid and stem cell transplant
3. Autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease
4. Prior cancer treatment such as radiation therapy
5. Chemical and pesticides
6. Old age and obesity.
Not every patient with these risk factors develop lymphoma but in case of symptoms they need prompt evaluation. Awareness and avoiding whereever plays a role in prevention of lymphoma. Unlike other cancers such as breast or intestinal cancers, there is no specific screening tests for lymphoma detection, hence awareness about the risk factors and symptoms is the best preventive method. On suspecting a diagnosis of lymphoma these are some of tests which your treating doctor may perform.
Tests for diagnosis
1. General physical examination to know size and location of lymph nodes (swellings)
2. Basic blood work like complete blood picture, renal and liver functions, viral screening
3. PET/CT scan and a bone marrow test for exact stage of disease
4. Biopsy of the swelling for the type of lymphoma
Prevention of lymphoma
Prevention of lymphoma includes awareness about the symptoms, risk factors and prompt visit to a treating physician. There is no single test or vaccine to prevent lymphoma. People with risk factors need to be even more careful, such as in HIV infection one should take proper medication. Any danger symptom in patients with risk factor needs evaluation. Early visit to an oncologist and never neglecting a suspicious symptom helps a long way in the disease management. Staying at a healthy weight, keeping physically active and following a good diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and that limits or avoids red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods may help protect against lymphoma.
(Author: Dr. L. Rohit Reddy, Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hemato Oncologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad)
