Lymphoma

Overview

The lymphatic system and in particular the lymph nodes form an important part of the body's immune system. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. There are many different kinds of lymphoma, but in practice all of them can be treated with chemotherapy. Enlarged lymph nodes (i.e. glands) that are hard and painless are typical.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Swollen lymph nodes
  • Constantly growing in size
  • Painless
  • Hard surface
• Fixed in their environment (“immovable”)

Other symptoms

• Reduction in ability to function, fatigue
• Pale skin
• Itching
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Involuntary weight loss
• Pressure in the left or right upper abdomen
• Increased tendency to bleed
• Weakened immune system

Causes and treatment

Causes

• The exact cause is unknown; possibly
• Genetic factors
• Viral infections
• Environmental poisons
• Previous chemotherapy

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Physical examination of the enlarged lymph nodes Blood test (number of blood cells)
• Examination of bone marrow
• Removal of a lymph node to examine under a microscope
• Chest x-ray
• CT scan (computed tomography)
• Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid

Possible therapies

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Stem cell transplant, if possible

The chances of recovery depend on the type of lymphoma but are usually quite good.

When to see a doctor?

• Lymph nodes that remain enlarged,
  • in particular if they are hard, painless and immovable

Further information

lymphome.ch - Patientennetz Schweiz (Swiss network for lymphoma patients)
www.lymphome.ch

Synonyms

Lymphoma