Description
A cancer of the lymphocytes and the lymphatic system. There are two main types: Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's. Non-Hodgkin's is 5 times more common. The disease occurs when the lymphocytes of the immune system grow out of control becoming cancerous. The overgrowth of the lymphocytes typically causes swelling of lymph nodes. The cancerous lymphocytes can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).
Symptoms
Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests and imaging tests such as abdominal and chest CT scans to determine the extent of the disease will be performed. The diagnosis is established by performing a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy.
Tests:
Bone marrow biopsy, Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Lymph node biopsy, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Specialists:
Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests and imaging tests such as abdominal and chest CT scans to determine the extent of the disease will be performed. The diagnosis is established by performing a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy.
Tests:
Bone marrow biopsy, Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Lymph node biopsy, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Specialists:
Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Treatment
Therapy depends on the type of lymphoma. Treatment includes: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy (using monoclonal antibodies) such as rituximab/Rituxan, and bone marrow transplant.