Lymphoma
Department of Lymphoma
Lymphoma is the general term for cancer in your lymphatic system — the network of tissues, vessels and organs that help your body fight infection. It’s considered a blood cancer because the condition starts in white blood cells (lymphocytes) in your lymphatic system.
There are two main lymphoma categories — Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma — and more than 70 lymphoma subtypes. Lymphomas can be aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow-growing). Often, treatment can put lymphoma into remission or cure it. Children, teenagers and adults may develop lymphoma. This article focuses on lymphomas that affect adults.
Types
1.Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells; divided into classical and nodular lymphocyte-predominant types.
2.Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): Diverse group, categorized based on cell type (B-cell or T-cell) and growth patterns.
Diagnosis
1.Biopsy: Removal and examination of lymph node or tissue sample.
2.Imaging Tests: CT, PET, or MRI scans to assess lymph node involvement.
3.Blood Tests: Complete blood count (CBC) to detect abnormal cell counts.
Treatment
1.Chemotherapy: Drugs to destroy or control cancerous lymphocytes.
2.Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays targeting affected lymph nodes.
3.Immunotherapy: Enhancing the body’s immune system to fight lymphoma cells.
4.Stem Cell Transplant: Replacement of damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.
Lymphoma Overview
- Surgery Time: 2 to 4 hours (if surgery is needed for biopsy or removal of affected lymph nodes)
- Stay in the Country: 3 to 6 weeks (varies depending on treatment and recovery)
- Rehabilitation Duration: 2 to 6 months (depends on the type of lymphoma and treatment)
- Price: €20,000 to €50,000
- Initial Consultation: Diagnosis through imaging (CT, PET) and biopsy, followed by consultation with a hematologist or oncologist.
- Pre-Treatment: Pre-treatment assessments, including staging and planning for chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments.
- Treatment: May include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Surgery may be performed to remove lymph nodes if necessary.
- Post-Treatment: Hospital stay for 1 to 2 weeks if surgery is involved, followed by outpatient care.
- Rehabilitation: Recovery from treatment with support for side effects, physical rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Final Recovery: Regular follow-up visits to monitor response to treatment and check for recurrence.
