Lymphoma is a form of cancer that can affect the various sections of the lymphatic system. However it is commonly the lymphocyte cells and the lymph glands that are the primary sites of cancerous growth. Lymphoma is quickly becoming one of the more common types of cancer in many countries. It affects both sexes. However, men appear to be more susceptible than women. The reason for this is still to be discovered.
Lymphomas need to be classified as an exact type before they can be treated with any success however this isn't always easy as there are a large number of different types that differ only slightly in their form.
Generally lymphoma is classified as being either Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Hodgkin's lymphoma was first described by Thomas Hodgkin in the 1830s and is the rarer of the two forms of the cancer. In general many cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma begin in a single lymph node in chest, neck or axilla, spreading in an orderly fashion to other lymph nodes and nearby tissues. Hodgkin's lymphoma can affect any age group and either gender however individuals that are between 15-35 and those over the age of 55 are thought to be at increased risk.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma means that the patient has one of 30 subtypes of lymphomas and requires further diagnostic tests in order to exactly categorize the specific sub- type. The exact subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is crucial for treatment decisions. There are a number of classification systems that are used to describe cancers. However, broadly these are classified as either:
Fast (aggressive) or slow (non-aggressive) with regards to the rate of growth.
Affecting the B-cells or T-cells of the immune system.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma does not seem to favour one age group or gender. However, there are a number of risk factors that can increase the chances of an individual developing the disease. These include chronic obesity, the presence of AIDS or any other immunosuppressant condition, the Hepatitis C virus and the Epstein-Barr virus.
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