In the vast majority of cases, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is manifested by a persistent enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. We tell you everything you need to know about this type of cancer.
- In 2018, around 22,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma were diagnosed in France, according to the National Cancer Institute
- The lymphatic system includes a network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes and lymphatic organs.
In a post published on Instagram, American actress and activist Jane Fonda revealed that she suffers from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. She also said that she had already started chemotherapy treatments which will last six months and was very optimistic about her chances of recovery.. “This is a completely curable cancer. 80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky”she said.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma brings together a group of pathologies which have in common to be cancers of the lymphatic system. These cancers develop when the production of lymphocytes is disturbed and causes abnormal lymphocyte production. They can then arise in two different ways: cancerous cells (B or T lymphocytes) which only spread to the lymph nodes or which proliferate and spread to one or more organs such as the stomach, intestines , the skin, the testicles or the brain.
How does non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma manifest?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is characterized by a persistent enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the swollen glands. The patient may suffer from neck swelling, shortness of breath, facial oedema, dry and persistent cough, abdominal discomfort, back pain, bloating as well as heavy and swollen legs.
Regarding extra-nodal lymphoma, the manifestations depend on the part of the body where the cancer cells are developing. We distinguish in particular:
- persistent fever ;
- heavy sweating (especially at night);
- unexplained weight loss;
- pruritus, i.e. an itching sensation of the skin;
- persistent fatigue despite rest.
Risk factors may promote the development of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
For now, the causes responsible for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are unknown. But a combination of behavioural, environmental and genetic risk factors can promote its occurrence, such as:
- a chronic viral (hepatitis C, HIV, Epstein Barr virus) or bacterial infection;
- prolonged immune deficiency and certain treatments favoring the onset of lymphoma such as autoimmune disease, immunosuppressive treatment, a history of chemotherapy;
- celiac disease not treated by a gluten-free diet;
- exposure to toxic products (pesticides, wood dust, organic solvents).
The diagnosis of the disease
In the event of suspicion of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, various examinations are carried out in order to establish its type, its stage and its degree of aggressiveness. A general practitioner may in particular recommend blood tests and medical imaging, a surgical or radio-guided biopsy of a ganglion or an organ. The results make it possible to determine the evolution of the affection as well as the adequate treatments.
What are the treatments for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
The treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma results in the combination of drugs that fight against cancer cells. “The current reference treatment for the main non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is based on conventional chemotherapy (itself combining several drugs) combined with a monoclonal antibody. A treatment sometimes called immunochemotherapy. These treatments can be supplemented by radiotherapy, and more rarely by a stem cell transplant”Explain the national cancer institute.