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2012年9月22日 星期六

Non Hodgkins Lymphoma


There are two types of lymphomas: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Among the two, there are more cases of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma among those that suffer from cancer in their lymphoid systems; it encompasses over 29 types of lymphomas. In the United States, the cases of reported Non-Hodgkin's are at least seven times as common as cases of Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Characteristics

This type of lymphoma is characterized by a malignant growth of B or T cells in the lymphoid system of a person. There are over twenty-nine types under this category, classified according to the type of cells that multiply and the rate by which they do so. The symptoms that people with this disease exhibit are the same as the general symptoms that people with lymphoma exhibit, including a higher incidence of infections and enlarged lymph nodes. However, just like other lymphomas, some symptoms can be very hard to detect.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Once NHL is suspected, physicians make the person undergo a series of tests that are aimed at confirming if it is indeed NHL, and if so, more tests are done to determine the type of cell growth by examining the cancer cells. With NHL, it is very important to arrive at an exact diagnosis so that the most appropriate treatment can be employed to beat the cancer.

The most often-used mode of treatment is chemotherapy, which involves administering powerful drugs that target cancer cells. This treatment is often used if the cancer is found in different areas. On the other hand, if the cancer is localized, the treatment that is employed is radiation therapy, where radiation is used to target cancer cells in a certain area. In some cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are combined to treat some cases of NHL. In more advanced cases, the treatment that is used is a bone marrow transplant, which is aimed at bolstering the body's immune system, which the cancer has severely compromised. Some of the most recent treatments that have been developed include immunotherapy, using vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapy.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), is the most common type of lymphoma. Given this, a great deal of research has been done to better understand this disease and to find ways of treating it. Fortunately, this research has provided vital information that can help the people who have cancer as well as those who are treating it.




Lymphoma [http://www.e-Lymphoma.com] provides detailed information on Lymphoma, Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Hodgkins Lymphoma, Lymphoma Symptoms and more. Lymphoma is affiliated with Breast Cancer Symptoms [http://www.i-BreastCancer.com].





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2012年9月21日 星期五

What is Hodgkin's Lymphoma?


Hodgkin's lymphoma (a.k.a. Hodgkin's Disease) is named after its discoverer, Thomas Hodgkin. This disease is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in the body. This type of cell is can be seen under histopathologic studies and are usually found in malignant B-Cells. These malignant B-cells will grow in number, eventually causing a tumor in a lymph node or lymph tissue such as the bone marrow or spleen. Because of this tumor, the affected tissue loses its function, leading to slow deterioration of the body. This disease is noted for is orderly metastasis. If the malignancy started at the lymph nodes located at the neck, the adjacent lymph nodes will be affected one by one; the malignancy will be seen at the lymph nodes located near the collar bone, then at the armpits, and so one.

Hodgkin's lymphoma peaks occurs mostly in male than in females, with ages ranging from 15-13 years old to above 50. What's also striking about this condition is that under microscopic studies, there are more normal cells found in the enlarged lymph nodes compared to malignant cells. The cause of this disease still not known; however it has been found that if a twin has it, the other is also at risk of having Hodgkin's lymphoma. Most Reed-Sternberg cells were also observed to be infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, the infectious agent of mononucleosis. Exposure to Agent Orange and prolonged use of human growth hormone is also accounted as a factor in obtaining Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Conditions that compromise the immune system such as HIV or AIDS also predispose a person to this disease.

Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma usually have these classical signs and symptoms:

- Drenching night sweats.

- Sudden and unexplained weight loss

- Enlarged lymph nodes that are characterized as rubbery and painless located at the neck, under arm, and groin

- Feeling of easily getting tired

- Unexplained fever that goes on and off

- Itchiness that is not related to any other skin condition

When detected early, Hodgkin's lymphoma shows high survival rate, thereby making it one of the curable forms of cancer known to man. With proper management and therapy, Hodgkin's lymphoma is still highly curable even at the later stage.




Need to learn more about Lymphoma? Be sure to check out Lymphoma Symptoms which contains in-depth information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma, symptoms, causes, treatment and much more.





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2012年9月20日 星期四

Hodgkins Lymphoma


A type of lymphoma, not as common as Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, is Hodgkin's disease or Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which is characterized by malignant growths of cells in the lymphoid system. Thomas Hodgkin, who discovered this disease in 1832, was an English scholar who worked at the Guy's Hospital in England.

Since the discovery of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, there has been a great deal of research conducted on this disease, which has contributed to the huge body of literature regarding it. This research provides vital information on understanding the disease, its symptoms, and its treatment. Below is some of the information that medical research on the disease has produced.

Features of the Disease

What distinguishes Hodgkin's disease from other lymphoma is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in the area where the cancer has developed. Most studies show that the origins of these cells are B cells. In other cases of the disease, the Epstein-Barr virus has proven to be a factor in the development of the cancer. The disease can occur in both children and adults, and among them, a higher incidence of the disease has been found among young adults between the ages of twenty-five and thirty and among those who are fifty-five or older. As with other lymphomas, the symptoms of this disease include a compromised immune system, which results in a higher incidence of infections.

Treatment

The treatment of this disease also includes some of the common modes of treatment used to treat other lymphomas. The most often used among these is chemotherapy, which involves administering powerful drugs that target the cells that cause the cancer. Another common type of treatment is radiation therapy, where a radiation beam is targeted at a localized area where there is a concentration of cancer cells. For advanced cases, a bone marrow transplant is done to bolster the body's immune system.

Hodgkin's disease is also considered to be one of the most serious types of cancer because it can have severe effects on the body of the person who develops the disease. Fortunately, the extensive research done on Hodgkin's disease has paved the way for the development of new and more effective treatments in fighting the disease. As a result of this, the survival rates of people who have this disease have increased in recent years.




Lymphoma [http://www.e-Lymphoma.com] provides detailed information on Lymphoma, Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Hodgkins Lymphoma, Lymphoma Symptoms and more. Lymphoma is affiliated with Breast Cancer Symptoms [http://www.i-BreastCancer.com].





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2012年9月13日 星期四

What Are the Main Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms?


Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of lymphoma characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are seen in lymphocytes, particularly the T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes which are types of WBC's. Lymphocytes are part of your body's immune system, so it would be natural to have problems in fighting infections when you have lymphoma.

When a person has Hodgkin's lymphoma, one major sign is having an enlarged, non-tender, rubbery lymph node located at the neck, armpit, chest, or groin. However, some note presence of pain when alcohol is consumed. Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms can also include difficulty of breathing, chest pain, or persistent cough due to a lymph node that is pressing on the air passages or lungs.

Other Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms are unexplained weight loss, unexplained fever, and night sweats. Fatigue can result due to anemia brought about by a weakened production and storage of RBC in the bone marrow and spleen respectively. Three Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms are called "B symptoms" which are weight loss, persistent fever, and night sweats. The presence of these symptoms is used when staging the disease and to determine just how aggressive the treatment would be.

Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms can happen in any stages of the disease. However, most types of Hodgkin's lymphoma manifest Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms when the disease is already at Stage III and Stage IV. This is why it is important to undergo biopsy and other tests to confirm the presence of lymphoma so proper treatment can be given to help fight the disease. A swollen lymph node may indicate just a simple infection, but if it lasts for more than two weeks without any sign of decreasing in size, an appointment with a doctor is a must.

Treatment can range from radiotherapy, chemotherapy, to bone marrow transplant. Never miss a treatment regimen and always maintain your regular check up so you and your doctor will know if the treatment is effective or needs modification. High chance of survival is noted in treating Hodgkin's lymphoma no matter what stage it was diagnosed, so never lose hope and join a support group to help you cope with the disease.




Need to learn more about Lymphoma? Be sure to check out Lymphoma Symptoms which contains in-depth information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, causes and much more.





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2012年9月12日 星期三

Twin Sisters Help Bring Awareness to Hodgkin's Lymphoma


For two years, Elisa witnessed what her twin sister Anne endured battling an advanced form of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The unexpected journey started in the spring of 2005 when Anne was diagnosed with this rare but deemed curable cancer during a routine check-up for flu-like symptoms. After her diagnosis, many in the medical field as well as cancer patients commented that Hodgkin's Lymphoma was the "good" cancer to get if you had to choose a cancer.    Unfortunately, it was not the "good cancer" and the road to remission was a bumpy one. It took a rare syngeneic stem cell transplant and almost two years of back-to-back high dose chemotherapy treatment and radiation therapy to bring Anne into remission status. As her identical stem cell donor and caregiver, Elisa experienced this two-year challenging journey right along her twin sister's side. This sobering experience inspired Elisa to do something tangible in her twin sister's honor to help bring worldwide awareness to Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a cancer wrongly deemed the "good cancer".  In February 2007, Hope & Dreams Cancer Awareness online store, featuring an assortment of Hodgkin's Lymphoma awareness t-shirt designs including unique cancer awareness designs, was launched by Elisa. Thus far, the store has generously donated the proceeds to benefit Lymphoma research in honor of Anne and in honor of those who are fighting this rare and often misunderstood cancer. Today, Anne is in remission and Elisa is grateful to God that her twin sister has been given a second opportunity to fulfill her hopes and dreams -- cancer free.




http://www.hopedreamsdesigns.com





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2012年9月2日 星期日

Microscopes and Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Understanding the Pathophysiology of a Common Cancer


First off What is Lymphoma?

We have to first define what lymphoma is before discussing Hodgkin's disease. Lymphoma is a cancer that develops from cells in the body known as "lymphocytes." Lympocytes are a subcategory of white blood cells. There are two different types of lymphocytes: B-cells and T-cells. Almost all lymphomas, including Hodgkin's disease, stem from B-cells.

In Hodgkin's lymphoma a B-cell, for unknown reasons, becomes cancerous. The cell then makes many many clones of itself. These cells bundle together to form a solid tumor known as a lymphoma. There are several hypotheses for why these cells become cancerous in Hodgkin's. One belief is that infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, the same virus that causes infectious mononucleosis) can cause the cells to turn malignant in genetically susceptible people. Other theories are that certain genetic translocations may be the underlying factor. As of yet, no particular theory has significant supporting data to call it the "cause." In fact, there may be multiple unrelated causes.

Types

There are different subcategories of Hodgkin's lymphoma. They are based on several microscopic characteristics, and are important in determining prognosis. The features the pathologist is looking for are the number of Reed-Sternberg cells, as well as the number of lymphocytes present in the biospy specimen. A Reed-Sternberg cell is a funny shaped cell with two nuclei that looks like owl's eyes.

The first subcategory, and most common type, is nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this type there are very few Reed-Sternberg cells with a moderate number of lymphocytes. It commonly occurs in younger individuals, and with treatment, the prognosis is excellent.

The second subcategory is mixed cellularity Hodgkin's lymphoma. This type has many Reed-Sternberg cells and a moderate number of lymphocytes when viewed under the microscope. It has an intermediate prognosis.

The third subcategory is lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's. It has very few Reed-Sternberg cells and many lymphocytes. It occurs most commonly in males less than 35 years of age. It is also one of the few types that is not associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

The last subcategory is lymphocyte depleted. It is the rarest form of Hodgkin's lymphoma. It typically affects older males. Unfortunately it has the worst prognosis of the four types.




Visit http://www.virtualmedstudent.com for more information.





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2012年9月1日 星期六

Hodgkin's Lymphoma, The White Cell Cancer


Many types of cancer are known our days, but Hodgkin's disease is one that can be cured if the medical advice and treatment is followed properly. Hodgkin's disease, named after the physician that identified it, is cancer of the lymphoid tissue. First of all this disease affects the immune defense system, leading to a weak organisms', unable to fight infectious particles found in human bodies.

In some cases lymphoma develops in organs like stomach or intestines, but mostly in the lymph nodes or the lymphatic tissue.

Two types of lymphoma are known: Hodgkin's and non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's disease affects especially old people that are over 60. The malignant cells developed by Hodgkin's disease are also known as Reed Sternberg cells.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a disease that affects people with weak immune system, and people exposed to the virus called Epstein Barr. It affects people of any age, but most of the cases are seen at old men past 60.

Enlarged lymph nodes and unexpected weight loss are first symptoms for Hodgkin's lymphoma, and for the confirmation of the disease the possible patients should go to a physician. The procedure of illness determination involves a microscopic watch at a sample of the lymph node tissue.

Depending on the stage when it was discovered, this disease can need a complex or a less complex treatment in order to guarantee patients recovery or even life. In advanced stages lymphoma can be discovered not only in lymph nodes, but almost anywhere including patches of lymphatic tissue or, as I said before, in organs like stomach or intestines.

Lymph nodes are located in different parts of the body including the neck, the chest and groin, and the armpit.

Lymphocytes are divided in two groups: B cells and T cells, each one of these groups with different functions.

The B cells or B lymphocytes are meant to produce immune cells. When an infection is found the B cells change in plasma cells that stick to the infection and secretes antibiotics.

The T cells or T lymphocytes come to destroy antigens or infected cells.

The B and T cells are part of the normal lymphocytes, but the cause for Hodgkin's lymphoma the malignant or lymphoma lymphocytes. These cells can divide slowly or rapidly. Either way they cause lymph nodes or other organs to enlarge, depending on their position.

The lymph glands or any other organ, even if we talk about the stomach or intestines, are surely going to be affected by a large group of malignant lymphocytes, making unpleasant consequences unavoidable.




For more resources about lymphoma or even about cutaneous t cell lymphoma please review this page http://www.lymphoma-center.com/cutaneous-t-cell-lymphoma.htm





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2012年8月31日 星期五

Characteristics of Hodgkin's Lymphoma


Lymphomas are the cancer of the lymphoid tissue, so Hodgkin's disease which is a type of lymphoma, is also a cancer of this tissue. Lymphoid tissue is part of the lymphatic system which is a major component of the immune defense system. The elements that represents the immune system are organs like spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, cells and vesels.THe lymph is a fluid made of plasma and white blood cells, created and transported from tissues to the bloodstream by the immune system.

The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs located in different areas of the body. this is the place where the lymph usually develops. There are some situations in which lymph develops in patches of lymphatic tissue in organs like the stomach or intestines.

The lymphoma is classified in two categories of diseases, the Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The appearance under the microscope of the cancer cells is different in these two types of lymphoma. The malignant cells which are present in Hodgkin's lymphoma or the simply Hodgkin's disease are called by the scientists Reed-Sternberg cells. This disease was identified for the first time in 1832 by the physician Hodgkin. That's why this disease is called like this.The cause of Hodgkin's lymphoma is not very well known, but there are known the risk factors that may make a person more likely to develop it. These factors include a compromised immune system and the exposure to the Epstein Barr virus. This virus is responsible for the infectious mononucleosis.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare form of cancer. It can affect adults and children. It is more frequent between 15 to 40 years and after 55 years. It is also more common in men.

The symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma are similar to the symptoms of every infections: enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands), night sweats and unexplained weight loss. It is very important for the individuals who experience these symptoms to contact a physician to determine the cause. If it is suspected the Hodgkin's disease, it is recommended to make a biopsy of the area. The procedure involves removing a small sample of the lymph node tissue which will be exanimate under a microscope.

If the diagnosis is sure, the physician must establish how far the cancer has spread or the stage of the disease. This is necessary for the physician to plan the treatment and it is known that the if the disease has been identified in a lower stage there is a better prognosis for recovery.

Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma. Lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphoid tissue which is part of the lymphatic system. This is a major component of the immune system which consists of organs such as spleen, lymph nodes and vessels. The lymphatic system produces and transports a fluid made of plasma and white blood cells called lymph, from tissues to the bloodstream.

As the lymph nodes, small, bean-shaped organs are located in different areas of the body, Hodgkin's lymphoma can start almost everywhere. The lymph nodes are found to the neck, armpit, chest and groin. So it usually begins in the lymph nodes, but in some cases, it can start in patches of lymphatic tissue in organs such as the stomach or intestines. The function of the lymph nodes is to produce immune cells like lymphocytes and plasma cells which are involved in filtering bacteria, cancer cells and other foreign material from lymph and which harm the body. When the antigens reaches into the lymph nodes and they recognize them they respond by enlarging and producing additional white blood cells. These white blood cells include lymphocytes and antibodies that help combat a variety of external threats.

There are known two types of lymphocytes involved in the immune response:

* B lymphocytes (B-cells) which defend the body from invading bacteria and other harmful substances. These particles activate the B cells and they transform into plasma cells, which produce antibodies. The antibodies mark the antigens or the foreign materials and then they destroy them.

* T lymphocytes (T-cells) destroy antigens, infected and malignant cells directly, without producing antibodies.

If the lymphocytes cells continue to grow and expand, the lymph glands or other organs in which they are located begin to enlarge. The cells form lumps which develops in the body. The organ function is affected because of the lymphocyte masses which grow larger. It is more difficult for normal cells to function.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is named after the physician who first discovered it in 1832. Hodgkin's lymphoma spreads through the lymph vessels to neighboring lymph nodes and even to other areas of the body including the liver, bone marrow, spleen or lungs through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream.

The other kind of lymphoma is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is more frequent than the other form. Hodgkin's lymphoma can usually be distinguished from Non- Hodgkin's when tissue is examined under a microscope. This tissue is optained using the method of biopsy. The characteristic cells found in Hodgkin's lymphoma are known as Reed-Sternberg cells and they are named after the physicians who first described them in detail. It is thought that Reed-Sternberg cells are a form of malignant B-cells.




For more resources about lymphoma please review http://www.lymphoma-center.com/non-hodgkins-lymphoma.htm or http://www.lymphoma-center.com/symptoms-of-lymphoma.htm





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2012年8月27日 星期一

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Vs Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma


My introduction to lymphoma came one, quiet July afternoon in 2008 as I was sitting at my desk at work. My husband called. He had been feeling poorly for the last couple of weeks while we were on vacation and had just been to see the doctor.

"The doctor said I've got one of three things," he calmly reported. "But the only one I can remember is lymphoma." He went on to say that he was calling from a hospital bed where he had a few things stuck in and on him. (Before I lost control of my thoughts, I was reminded of an incident two years earlier. Then, my husband had left me a voice mail. The message went something like this: "My appendix burst. I'm in the hospital. You can stop by if you want to.")

Our life plummeted into the realm of conscious uncertainty. Non-medical people, we searched all over the Internet, talked to family, friends, friends of friends, doctors, etc., to find out everything we could about this kind of cancer.

Soon enough, we were reminded of the danger of Internet searches. There is almost too much information -- a lot of it is downright scary and some of it is ultimately inaccurate. Even without really understanding my husband's current condition, we were already contemplating the worst possible outcome.

Types of Lymphoma

There are two main types of lymphoma -- Hodgkin's Lymphoma (also called Hodgkin's Disease) and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Both types develop in the lymphocytes, white blood cells that are an important part of the body's immune system. The two types have similarities, but there are definite distinctions.

Lymphocytes have two main cell types: B cells or T cells. With lymphoma, either the B cell or the T cell becomes abnormal; the first abnormal cell quickly divides and then subsequent abnormal cells divide, encroaching upon and destroying other lymphatic cells. And, while lymphoma originates in the body's lymphatic system, Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can spread to bone marrow and other organs such as the liver and spleen.

Symptoms and Signs

My spouse had been complaining about aching, swollen lumps in his neck. He had also been having night sweats and fever. These are typical symptoms for both Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Other symptoms include breathing problems, fatigue, itching, unexplained weight loss, and swollen lumps in the armpits and/or groin.

The doctors told us it was not uncommon for either type of cancer to appear in adults in their 50's, but, typically, Hodgkin's Lymphoma appears in children and young adults. In contrast, the risk for developing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma increases with age and typically appears between the ages of 40 and 70.

My husband, a seemingly healthy man who watched his diet and regularly exercised, was in his early 50's.

Diagnosis

After several tests, there was little doubt that my husband had lymphoma, but in order to treat it, the doctors needed to know exactly what type it was.

There are several diagnostic techniques used, either alone or in combination, to make the diagnosis between Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. These include blood tests, thorough physical examinations, biopsies of bone marrow, and chest x-rays. The definitive test, however, is the tissue biopsy of part or all of an affected lymph node.

The hospital did a biopsy of one of the lumps on his neck on a Friday. The results would not be available until early the next week. So, it was back to the Internet to see what else we could learn and worry about. Meanwhile, my spouse was suffering and more painful lumps were fast appearing. Overwhelmed with both too much general and too little specific information, we waited for news from the lab.

Under the microscope, the presence of an abnormal B cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell, a particular kind of lymphocyte, indicates Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Diagnosis is not as easy for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma; there are over 30 different types of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which include various types of cells and cell markers.

Finally, on Monday, we learned we were dealing with Anaplastic T cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. At last, we knew the enemy.

Treatment

Now that we knew the type of cancer, we had all the usual questions about treatment. Chemo? Radiation? How long? How much?

Like all cancers, lymphoma is characterized by stages which define the extent or severity of the cancer, and treatment differs depending on the cell type and stage. Treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma can include radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of the two. Stem cell or blood marrow transplantation can be recommended in more severe cases. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy; on rare occasions, radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy is utilized.

The type and severity of lymphoma determine the response to any particular treatment. Other treatments for lymphoma can include radioimmunotherapy or immunotherapy alone; surgery is rarely a treatment option.

In my spouse's case, he had Stage III (of I to IV with IV being the most severe) of an aggressive type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. That meant hitting him hard and fast with chemotherapy. They began it almost immediately. The first treatment was excruciating and weakened him, but it provided great results. After a week, he was released with a treatment plan that included five additional chemotherapy sessions.

As we left the hospital, I remember watching my husband - stooped over, thinner by 30-some pounds, frail and weak - as he carefully got into the car in the parking lot. I wondered whether he would ever return to his vibrant, irreverent self.

Statistics for New Cases and Deaths

In 2008, my spouse was one of the estimated 74,340 people to be diagnosed with lymphoma. In that same year, it was estimated that 20,150 people with lymphoma would die. Staggering statistics that we couldn't seem to comprehend at the time.

The American Cancer Society's Facts & Figures 2010 lists the expected new cases and estimated deaths for men and women in the U.S. for 2010 for lymphoma as follows:

Estimated New Cancers (2010)


Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 8,490
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 65,540

Estimated Cancer Deaths (2010)


Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 1,320
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 20,210

Prognosis

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for Hodgkin's Lymphoma is 85%; the 10-year survival rate is 81%. It is much tougher to pin down survival rates for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Prognosis varies depending on the type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, as well as other factors including the stage, the cell type, blood counts, other medical problems, etc.

Since his last chemotherapy treatment in November 2008, my husband's periodic scans have been clean and his prognosis is excellent. He's back to his old self, with only two visible scars (one from the biopsy and the other marking the location of the port used to administer chemotherapy), the scans, and doctor's appointments to remind us that life is tenuous.

While I continue to scour information about both types of lymphoma, my husband rarely, if ever, speaks about it, although he is conscientious about his scans. Looking back, the most angst-filled time during the entire ordeal was while we were waiting for the final diagnosis. After all, looking at the facts and figures, it would seem Hodgkin's Lymphoma might be the 'preferred' disease, but it was not that simple. It was never necessarily that we thought one type of lymphoma was more 'optimistic' than the other; we just desperately needed to know for treatment purposes. Besides, I believe there are too many other factors involved in survival, i.e., the severity, the treatment, response to treatment, etc., that overshadow any mere numbers linked to a particular type of disease. In fact, I honestly believe the most important factor is the patient's attitude.

In my husband's case, he just had lymphoma - didn't matter which to him. He just wanted to put it behind him. He went back to work as soon as he could and worked around his chemotherapy, taking little time off. He did not let cancer stop him, he did not let it define him and, unless he told you, you would never know.




Linda R. Prior is a freelance writer with over 25 years of writing experience. Find her at http://www.lindarprior.com.





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2012年8月14日 星期二

Non Hodgkins Lymphoma


There are two types of lymphomas: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Among the two, there are more cases of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma among those that suffer from cancer in their lymphoid systems; it encompasses over 29 types of lymphomas. In the United States, the cases of reported Non-Hodgkin's are at least seven times as common as cases of Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Characteristics

This type of lymphoma is characterized by a malignant growth of B or T cells in the lymphoid system of a person. There are over twenty-nine types under this category, classified according to the type of cells that multiply and the rate by which they do so. The symptoms that people with this disease exhibit are the same as the general symptoms that people with lymphoma exhibit, including a higher incidence of infections and enlarged lymph nodes. However, just like other lymphomas, some symptoms can be very hard to detect.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Once NHL is suspected, physicians make the person undergo a series of tests that are aimed at confirming if it is indeed NHL, and if so, more tests are done to determine the type of cell growth by examining the cancer cells. With NHL, it is very important to arrive at an exact diagnosis so that the most appropriate treatment can be employed to beat the cancer.

The most often-used mode of treatment is chemotherapy, which involves administering powerful drugs that target cancer cells. This treatment is often used if the cancer is found in different areas. On the other hand, if the cancer is localized, the treatment that is employed is radiation therapy, where radiation is used to target cancer cells in a certain area. In some cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are combined to treat some cases of NHL. In more advanced cases, the treatment that is used is a bone marrow transplant, which is aimed at bolstering the body's immune system, which the cancer has severely compromised. Some of the most recent treatments that have been developed include immunotherapy, using vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapy.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), is the most common type of lymphoma. Given this, a great deal of research has been done to better understand this disease and to find ways of treating it. Fortunately, this research has provided vital information that can help the people who have cancer as well as those who are treating it.




Lymphoma [http://www.e-Lymphoma.com] provides detailed information on Lymphoma, Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Hodgkins Lymphoma, Lymphoma Symptoms and more. Lymphoma is affiliated with Breast Cancer Symptoms [http://www.i-BreastCancer.com].





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2012年8月10日 星期五

What Are the Main Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms?


Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of lymphoma characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are seen in lymphocytes, particularly the T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes which are types of WBC's. Lymphocytes are part of your body's immune system, so it would be natural to have problems in fighting infections when you have lymphoma.

When a person has Hodgkin's lymphoma, one major sign is having an enlarged, non-tender, rubbery lymph node located at the neck, armpit, chest, or groin. However, some note presence of pain when alcohol is consumed. Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms can also include difficulty of breathing, chest pain, or persistent cough due to a lymph node that is pressing on the air passages or lungs.

Other Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms are unexplained weight loss, unexplained fever, and night sweats. Fatigue can result due to anemia brought about by a weakened production and storage of RBC in the bone marrow and spleen respectively. Three Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms are called "B symptoms" which are weight loss, persistent fever, and night sweats. The presence of these symptoms is used when staging the disease and to determine just how aggressive the treatment would be.

Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms can happen in any stages of the disease. However, most types of Hodgkin's lymphoma manifest Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms when the disease is already at Stage III and Stage IV. This is why it is important to undergo biopsy and other tests to confirm the presence of lymphoma so proper treatment can be given to help fight the disease. A swollen lymph node may indicate just a simple infection, but if it lasts for more than two weeks without any sign of decreasing in size, an appointment with a doctor is a must.

Treatment can range from radiotherapy, chemotherapy, to bone marrow transplant. Never miss a treatment regimen and always maintain your regular check up so you and your doctor will know if the treatment is effective or needs modification. High chance of survival is noted in treating Hodgkin's lymphoma no matter what stage it was diagnosed, so never lose hope and join a support group to help you cope with the disease.




Need to learn more about Lymphoma? Be sure to check out Lymphoma Symptoms which contains in-depth information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, causes and much more.





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2012年7月31日 星期二

Twin Sisters Help Bring Awareness to Hodgkin's Lymphoma


For two years, Elisa witnessed what her twin sister Anne endured battling an advanced form of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The unexpected journey started in the spring of 2005 when Anne was diagnosed with this rare but deemed curable cancer during a routine check-up for flu-like symptoms. After her diagnosis, many in the medical field as well as cancer patients commented that Hodgkin's Lymphoma was the "good" cancer to get if you had to choose a cancer.    Unfortunately, it was not the "good cancer" and the road to remission was a bumpy one. It took a rare syngeneic stem cell transplant and almost two years of back-to-back high dose chemotherapy treatment and radiation therapy to bring Anne into remission status. As her identical stem cell donor and caregiver, Elisa experienced this two-year challenging journey right along her twin sister's side. This sobering experience inspired Elisa to do something tangible in her twin sister's honor to help bring worldwide awareness to Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a cancer wrongly deemed the "good cancer".  In February 2007, Hope & Dreams Cancer Awareness online store, featuring an assortment of Hodgkin's Lymphoma awareness t-shirt designs including unique cancer awareness designs, was launched by Elisa. Thus far, the store has generously donated the proceeds to benefit Lymphoma research in honor of Anne and in honor of those who are fighting this rare and often misunderstood cancer. Today, Anne is in remission and Elisa is grateful to God that her twin sister has been given a second opportunity to fulfill her hopes and dreams -- cancer free.




http://www.hopedreamsdesigns.com





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2012年7月30日 星期一

What is Hodgkin's Lymphoma?


Hodgkin's lymphoma (a.k.a. Hodgkin's Disease) is named after its discoverer, Thomas Hodgkin. This disease is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in the body. This type of cell is can be seen under histopathologic studies and are usually found in malignant B-Cells. These malignant B-cells will grow in number, eventually causing a tumor in a lymph node or lymph tissue such as the bone marrow or spleen. Because of this tumor, the affected tissue loses its function, leading to slow deterioration of the body. This disease is noted for is orderly metastasis. If the malignancy started at the lymph nodes located at the neck, the adjacent lymph nodes will be affected one by one; the malignancy will be seen at the lymph nodes located near the collar bone, then at the armpits, and so one.

Hodgkin's lymphoma peaks occurs mostly in male than in females, with ages ranging from 15-13 years old to above 50. What's also striking about this condition is that under microscopic studies, there are more normal cells found in the enlarged lymph nodes compared to malignant cells. The cause of this disease still not known; however it has been found that if a twin has it, the other is also at risk of having Hodgkin's lymphoma. Most Reed-Sternberg cells were also observed to be infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, the infectious agent of mononucleosis. Exposure to Agent Orange and prolonged use of human growth hormone is also accounted as a factor in obtaining Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Conditions that compromise the immune system such as HIV or AIDS also predispose a person to this disease.

Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma usually have these classical signs and symptoms:

- Drenching night sweats.

- Sudden and unexplained weight loss

- Enlarged lymph nodes that are characterized as rubbery and painless located at the neck, under arm, and groin

- Feeling of easily getting tired

- Unexplained fever that goes on and off

- Itchiness that is not related to any other skin condition

When detected early, Hodgkin's lymphoma shows high survival rate, thereby making it one of the curable forms of cancer known to man. With proper management and therapy, Hodgkin's lymphoma is still highly curable even at the later stage.




Need to learn more about Lymphoma? Be sure to check out Lymphoma Symptoms which contains in-depth information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma, symptoms, causes, treatment and much more.





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2012年7月29日 星期日

Hodgkins Lymphoma


A type of lymphoma, not as common as Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, is Hodgkin's disease or Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which is characterized by malignant growths of cells in the lymphoid system. Thomas Hodgkin, who discovered this disease in 1832, was an English scholar who worked at the Guy's Hospital in England.

Since the discovery of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, there has been a great deal of research conducted on this disease, which has contributed to the huge body of literature regarding it. This research provides vital information on understanding the disease, its symptoms, and its treatment. Below is some of the information that medical research on the disease has produced.

Features of the Disease

What distinguishes Hodgkin's disease from other lymphoma is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in the area where the cancer has developed. Most studies show that the origins of these cells are B cells. In other cases of the disease, the Epstein-Barr virus has proven to be a factor in the development of the cancer. The disease can occur in both children and adults, and among them, a higher incidence of the disease has been found among young adults between the ages of twenty-five and thirty and among those who are fifty-five or older. As with other lymphomas, the symptoms of this disease include a compromised immune system, which results in a higher incidence of infections.

Treatment

The treatment of this disease also includes some of the common modes of treatment used to treat other lymphomas. The most often used among these is chemotherapy, which involves administering powerful drugs that target the cells that cause the cancer. Another common type of treatment is radiation therapy, where a radiation beam is targeted at a localized area where there is a concentration of cancer cells. For advanced cases, a bone marrow transplant is done to bolster the body's immune system.

Hodgkin's disease is also considered to be one of the most serious types of cancer because it can have severe effects on the body of the person who develops the disease. Fortunately, the extensive research done on Hodgkin's disease has paved the way for the development of new and more effective treatments in fighting the disease. As a result of this, the survival rates of people who have this disease have increased in recent years.




Lymphoma [http://www.e-Lymphoma.com] provides detailed information on Lymphoma, Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Hodgkins Lymphoma, Lymphoma Symptoms and more. Lymphoma is affiliated with Breast Cancer Symptoms [http://www.i-BreastCancer.com].





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2012年7月21日 星期六

Microscopes and Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Understanding the Pathophysiology of a Common Cancer


First off What is Lymphoma?

We have to first define what lymphoma is before discussing Hodgkin's disease. Lymphoma is a cancer that develops from cells in the body known as "lymphocytes." Lympocytes are a subcategory of white blood cells. There are two different types of lymphocytes: B-cells and T-cells. Almost all lymphomas, including Hodgkin's disease, stem from B-cells.

In Hodgkin's lymphoma a B-cell, for unknown reasons, becomes cancerous. The cell then makes many many clones of itself. These cells bundle together to form a solid tumor known as a lymphoma. There are several hypotheses for why these cells become cancerous in Hodgkin's. One belief is that infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, the same virus that causes infectious mononucleosis) can cause the cells to turn malignant in genetically susceptible people. Other theories are that certain genetic translocations may be the underlying factor. As of yet, no particular theory has significant supporting data to call it the "cause." In fact, there may be multiple unrelated causes.

Types

There are different subcategories of Hodgkin's lymphoma. They are based on several microscopic characteristics, and are important in determining prognosis. The features the pathologist is looking for are the number of Reed-Sternberg cells, as well as the number of lymphocytes present in the biospy specimen. A Reed-Sternberg cell is a funny shaped cell with two nuclei that looks like owl's eyes.

The first subcategory, and most common type, is nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this type there are very few Reed-Sternberg cells with a moderate number of lymphocytes. It commonly occurs in younger individuals, and with treatment, the prognosis is excellent.

The second subcategory is mixed cellularity Hodgkin's lymphoma. This type has many Reed-Sternberg cells and a moderate number of lymphocytes when viewed under the microscope. It has an intermediate prognosis.

The third subcategory is lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's. It has very few Reed-Sternberg cells and many lymphocytes. It occurs most commonly in males less than 35 years of age. It is also one of the few types that is not associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

The last subcategory is lymphocyte depleted. It is the rarest form of Hodgkin's lymphoma. It typically affects older males. Unfortunately it has the worst prognosis of the four types.




Visit http://www.virtualmedstudent.com for more information.





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2012年7月16日 星期一

Characteristics of Hodgkin's Lymphoma


Lymphomas are the cancer of the lymphoid tissue, so Hodgkin's disease which is a type of lymphoma, is also a cancer of this tissue. Lymphoid tissue is part of the lymphatic system which is a major component of the immune defense system. The elements that represents the immune system are organs like spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, cells and vesels.THe lymph is a fluid made of plasma and white blood cells, created and transported from tissues to the bloodstream by the immune system.

The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs located in different areas of the body. this is the place where the lymph usually develops. There are some situations in which lymph develops in patches of lymphatic tissue in organs like the stomach or intestines.

The lymphoma is classified in two categories of diseases, the Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The appearance under the microscope of the cancer cells is different in these two types of lymphoma. The malignant cells which are present in Hodgkin's lymphoma or the simply Hodgkin's disease are called by the scientists Reed-Sternberg cells. This disease was identified for the first time in 1832 by the physician Hodgkin. That's why this disease is called like this.The cause of Hodgkin's lymphoma is not very well known, but there are known the risk factors that may make a person more likely to develop it. These factors include a compromised immune system and the exposure to the Epstein Barr virus. This virus is responsible for the infectious mononucleosis.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare form of cancer. It can affect adults and children. It is more frequent between 15 to 40 years and after 55 years. It is also more common in men.

The symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma are similar to the symptoms of every infections: enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands), night sweats and unexplained weight loss. It is very important for the individuals who experience these symptoms to contact a physician to determine the cause. If it is suspected the Hodgkin's disease, it is recommended to make a biopsy of the area. The procedure involves removing a small sample of the lymph node tissue which will be exanimate under a microscope.

If the diagnosis is sure, the physician must establish how far the cancer has spread or the stage of the disease. This is necessary for the physician to plan the treatment and it is known that the if the disease has been identified in a lower stage there is a better prognosis for recovery.

Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma. Lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphoid tissue which is part of the lymphatic system. This is a major component of the immune system which consists of organs such as spleen, lymph nodes and vessels. The lymphatic system produces and transports a fluid made of plasma and white blood cells called lymph, from tissues to the bloodstream.

As the lymph nodes, small, bean-shaped organs are located in different areas of the body, Hodgkin's lymphoma can start almost everywhere. The lymph nodes are found to the neck, armpit, chest and groin. So it usually begins in the lymph nodes, but in some cases, it can start in patches of lymphatic tissue in organs such as the stomach or intestines. The function of the lymph nodes is to produce immune cells like lymphocytes and plasma cells which are involved in filtering bacteria, cancer cells and other foreign material from lymph and which harm the body. When the antigens reaches into the lymph nodes and they recognize them they respond by enlarging and producing additional white blood cells. These white blood cells include lymphocytes and antibodies that help combat a variety of external threats.

There are known two types of lymphocytes involved in the immune response:

* B lymphocytes (B-cells) which defend the body from invading bacteria and other harmful substances. These particles activate the B cells and they transform into plasma cells, which produce antibodies. The antibodies mark the antigens or the foreign materials and then they destroy them.

* T lymphocytes (T-cells) destroy antigens, infected and malignant cells directly, without producing antibodies.

If the lymphocytes cells continue to grow and expand, the lymph glands or other organs in which they are located begin to enlarge. The cells form lumps which develops in the body. The organ function is affected because of the lymphocyte masses which grow larger. It is more difficult for normal cells to function.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is named after the physician who first discovered it in 1832. Hodgkin's lymphoma spreads through the lymph vessels to neighboring lymph nodes and even to other areas of the body including the liver, bone marrow, spleen or lungs through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream.

The other kind of lymphoma is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is more frequent than the other form. Hodgkin's lymphoma can usually be distinguished from Non- Hodgkin's when tissue is examined under a microscope. This tissue is optained using the method of biopsy. The characteristic cells found in Hodgkin's lymphoma are known as Reed-Sternberg cells and they are named after the physicians who first described them in detail. It is thought that Reed-Sternberg cells are a form of malignant B-cells.




For more resources about lymphoma please review http://www.lymphoma-center.com/non-hodgkins-lymphoma.htm or http://www.lymphoma-center.com/symptoms-of-lymphoma.htm





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2012年7月15日 星期日

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Vs Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma


My introduction to lymphoma came one, quiet July afternoon in 2008 as I was sitting at my desk at work. My husband called. He had been feeling poorly for the last couple of weeks while we were on vacation and had just been to see the doctor.

"The doctor said I've got one of three things," he calmly reported. "But the only one I can remember is lymphoma." He went on to say that he was calling from a hospital bed where he had a few things stuck in and on him. (Before I lost control of my thoughts, I was reminded of an incident two years earlier. Then, my husband had left me a voice mail. The message went something like this: "My appendix burst. I'm in the hospital. You can stop by if you want to.")

Our life plummeted into the realm of conscious uncertainty. Non-medical people, we searched all over the Internet, talked to family, friends, friends of friends, doctors, etc., to find out everything we could about this kind of cancer.

Soon enough, we were reminded of the danger of Internet searches. There is almost too much information -- a lot of it is downright scary and some of it is ultimately inaccurate. Even without really understanding my husband's current condition, we were already contemplating the worst possible outcome.

Types of Lymphoma

There are two main types of lymphoma -- Hodgkin's Lymphoma (also called Hodgkin's Disease) and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Both types develop in the lymphocytes, white blood cells that are an important part of the body's immune system. The two types have similarities, but there are definite distinctions.

Lymphocytes have two main cell types: B cells or T cells. With lymphoma, either the B cell or the T cell becomes abnormal; the first abnormal cell quickly divides and then subsequent abnormal cells divide, encroaching upon and destroying other lymphatic cells. And, while lymphoma originates in the body's lymphatic system, Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can spread to bone marrow and other organs such as the liver and spleen.

Symptoms and Signs

My spouse had been complaining about aching, swollen lumps in his neck. He had also been having night sweats and fever. These are typical symptoms for both Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Other symptoms include breathing problems, fatigue, itching, unexplained weight loss, and swollen lumps in the armpits and/or groin.

The doctors told us it was not uncommon for either type of cancer to appear in adults in their 50's, but, typically, Hodgkin's Lymphoma appears in children and young adults. In contrast, the risk for developing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma increases with age and typically appears between the ages of 40 and 70.

My husband, a seemingly healthy man who watched his diet and regularly exercised, was in his early 50's.

Diagnosis

After several tests, there was little doubt that my husband had lymphoma, but in order to treat it, the doctors needed to know exactly what type it was.

There are several diagnostic techniques used, either alone or in combination, to make the diagnosis between Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. These include blood tests, thorough physical examinations, biopsies of bone marrow, and chest x-rays. The definitive test, however, is the tissue biopsy of part or all of an affected lymph node.

The hospital did a biopsy of one of the lumps on his neck on a Friday. The results would not be available until early the next week. So, it was back to the Internet to see what else we could learn and worry about. Meanwhile, my spouse was suffering and more painful lumps were fast appearing. Overwhelmed with both too much general and too little specific information, we waited for news from the lab.

Under the microscope, the presence of an abnormal B cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell, a particular kind of lymphocyte, indicates Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Diagnosis is not as easy for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma; there are over 30 different types of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which include various types of cells and cell markers.

Finally, on Monday, we learned we were dealing with Anaplastic T cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. At last, we knew the enemy.

Treatment

Now that we knew the type of cancer, we had all the usual questions about treatment. Chemo? Radiation? How long? How much?

Like all cancers, lymphoma is characterized by stages which define the extent or severity of the cancer, and treatment differs depending on the cell type and stage. Treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma can include radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of the two. Stem cell or blood marrow transplantation can be recommended in more severe cases. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy; on rare occasions, radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy is utilized.

The type and severity of lymphoma determine the response to any particular treatment. Other treatments for lymphoma can include radioimmunotherapy or immunotherapy alone; surgery is rarely a treatment option.

In my spouse's case, he had Stage III (of I to IV with IV being the most severe) of an aggressive type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. That meant hitting him hard and fast with chemotherapy. They began it almost immediately. The first treatment was excruciating and weakened him, but it provided great results. After a week, he was released with a treatment plan that included five additional chemotherapy sessions.

As we left the hospital, I remember watching my husband - stooped over, thinner by 30-some pounds, frail and weak - as he carefully got into the car in the parking lot. I wondered whether he would ever return to his vibrant, irreverent self.

Statistics for New Cases and Deaths

In 2008, my spouse was one of the estimated 74,340 people to be diagnosed with lymphoma. In that same year, it was estimated that 20,150 people with lymphoma would die. Staggering statistics that we couldn't seem to comprehend at the time.

The American Cancer Society's Facts & Figures 2010 lists the expected new cases and estimated deaths for men and women in the U.S. for 2010 for lymphoma as follows:

Estimated New Cancers (2010)


Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 8,490
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 65,540

Estimated Cancer Deaths (2010)


Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 1,320
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 20,210

Prognosis

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for Hodgkin's Lymphoma is 85%; the 10-year survival rate is 81%. It is much tougher to pin down survival rates for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Prognosis varies depending on the type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, as well as other factors including the stage, the cell type, blood counts, other medical problems, etc.

Since his last chemotherapy treatment in November 2008, my husband's periodic scans have been clean and his prognosis is excellent. He's back to his old self, with only two visible scars (one from the biopsy and the other marking the location of the port used to administer chemotherapy), the scans, and doctor's appointments to remind us that life is tenuous.

While I continue to scour information about both types of lymphoma, my husband rarely, if ever, speaks about it, although he is conscientious about his scans. Looking back, the most angst-filled time during the entire ordeal was while we were waiting for the final diagnosis. After all, looking at the facts and figures, it would seem Hodgkin's Lymphoma might be the 'preferred' disease, but it was not that simple. It was never necessarily that we thought one type of lymphoma was more 'optimistic' than the other; we just desperately needed to know for treatment purposes. Besides, I believe there are too many other factors involved in survival, i.e., the severity, the treatment, response to treatment, etc., that overshadow any mere numbers linked to a particular type of disease. In fact, I honestly believe the most important factor is the patient's attitude.

In my husband's case, he just had lymphoma - didn't matter which to him. He just wanted to put it behind him. He went back to work as soon as he could and worked around his chemotherapy, taking little time off. He did not let cancer stop him, he did not let it define him and, unless he told you, you would never know.




Linda R. Prior is a freelance writer with over 25 years of writing experience. Find her at http://www.lindarprior.com.





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2012年7月10日 星期二

Hodgkin's Lymphoma, The White Cell Cancer


Many types of cancer are known our days, but Hodgkin's disease is one that can be cured if the medical advice and treatment is followed properly. Hodgkin's disease, named after the physician that identified it, is cancer of the lymphoid tissue. First of all this disease affects the immune defense system, leading to a weak organisms', unable to fight infectious particles found in human bodies.

In some cases lymphoma develops in organs like stomach or intestines, but mostly in the lymph nodes or the lymphatic tissue.

Two types of lymphoma are known: Hodgkin's and non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's disease affects especially old people that are over 60. The malignant cells developed by Hodgkin's disease are also known as Reed Sternberg cells.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a disease that affects people with weak immune system, and people exposed to the virus called Epstein Barr. It affects people of any age, but most of the cases are seen at old men past 60.

Enlarged lymph nodes and unexpected weight loss are first symptoms for Hodgkin's lymphoma, and for the confirmation of the disease the possible patients should go to a physician. The procedure of illness determination involves a microscopic watch at a sample of the lymph node tissue.

Depending on the stage when it was discovered, this disease can need a complex or a less complex treatment in order to guarantee patients recovery or even life. In advanced stages lymphoma can be discovered not only in lymph nodes, but almost anywhere including patches of lymphatic tissue or, as I said before, in organs like stomach or intestines.

Lymph nodes are located in different parts of the body including the neck, the chest and groin, and the armpit.

Lymphocytes are divided in two groups: B cells and T cells, each one of these groups with different functions.

The B cells or B lymphocytes are meant to produce immune cells. When an infection is found the B cells change in plasma cells that stick to the infection and secretes antibiotics.

The T cells or T lymphocytes come to destroy antigens or infected cells.

The B and T cells are part of the normal lymphocytes, but the cause for Hodgkin's lymphoma the malignant or lymphoma lymphocytes. These cells can divide slowly or rapidly. Either way they cause lymph nodes or other organs to enlarge, depending on their position.

The lymph glands or any other organ, even if we talk about the stomach or intestines, are surely going to be affected by a large group of malignant lymphocytes, making unpleasant consequences unavoidable.




For more resources about lymphoma or even about cutaneous t cell lymphoma please review this page http://www.lymphoma-center.com/cutaneous-t-cell-lymphoma.htm





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2012年5月26日 星期六

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Vs Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma


My introduction to lymphoma came one, quiet July afternoon in 2008 as I was sitting at my desk at work. My husband called. He had been feeling poorly for the last couple of weeks while we were on vacation and had just been to see the doctor.

"The doctor said I've got one of three things," he calmly reported. "But the only one I can remember is lymphoma." He went on to say that he was calling from a hospital bed where he had a few things stuck in and on him. (Before I lost control of my thoughts, I was reminded of an incident two years earlier. Then, my husband had left me a voice mail. The message went something like this: "My appendix burst. I'm in the hospital. You can stop by if you want to.")

Our life plummeted into the realm of conscious uncertainty. Non-medical people, we searched all over the Internet, talked to family, friends, friends of friends, doctors, etc., to find out everything we could about this kind of cancer.

Soon enough, we were reminded of the danger of Internet searches. There is almost too much information -- a lot of it is downright scary and some of it is ultimately inaccurate. Even without really understanding my husband's current condition, we were already contemplating the worst possible outcome.

Types of Lymphoma

There are two main types of lymphoma -- Hodgkin's Lymphoma (also called Hodgkin's Disease) and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Both types develop in the lymphocytes, white blood cells that are an important part of the body's immune system. The two types have similarities, but there are definite distinctions.

Lymphocytes have two main cell types: B cells or T cells. With lymphoma, either the B cell or the T cell becomes abnormal; the first abnormal cell quickly divides and then subsequent abnormal cells divide, encroaching upon and destroying other lymphatic cells. And, while lymphoma originates in the body's lymphatic system, Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can spread to bone marrow and other organs such as the liver and spleen.

Symptoms and Signs

My spouse had been complaining about aching, swollen lumps in his neck. He had also been having night sweats and fever. These are typical symptoms for both Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Other symptoms include breathing problems, fatigue, itching, unexplained weight loss, and swollen lumps in the armpits and/or groin.

The doctors told us it was not uncommon for either type of cancer to appear in adults in their 50's, but, typically, Hodgkin's Lymphoma appears in children and young adults. In contrast, the risk for developing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma increases with age and typically appears between the ages of 40 and 70.

My husband, a seemingly healthy man who watched his diet and regularly exercised, was in his early 50's.

Diagnosis

After several tests, there was little doubt that my husband had lymphoma, but in order to treat it, the doctors needed to know exactly what type it was.

There are several diagnostic techniques used, either alone or in combination, to make the diagnosis between Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. These include blood tests, thorough physical examinations, biopsies of bone marrow, and chest x-rays. The definitive test, however, is the tissue biopsy of part or all of an affected lymph node.

The hospital did a biopsy of one of the lumps on his neck on a Friday. The results would not be available until early the next week. So, it was back to the Internet to see what else we could learn and worry about. Meanwhile, my spouse was suffering and more painful lumps were fast appearing. Overwhelmed with both too much general and too little specific information, we waited for news from the lab.

Under the microscope, the presence of an abnormal B cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell, a particular kind of lymphocyte, indicates Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Diagnosis is not as easy for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma; there are over 30 different types of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which include various types of cells and cell markers.

Finally, on Monday, we learned we were dealing with Anaplastic T cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. At last, we knew the enemy.

Treatment

Now that we knew the type of cancer, we had all the usual questions about treatment. Chemo? Radiation? How long? How much?

Like all cancers, lymphoma is characterized by stages which define the extent or severity of the cancer, and treatment differs depending on the cell type and stage. Treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma can include radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of the two. Stem cell or blood marrow transplantation can be recommended in more severe cases. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy; on rare occasions, radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy is utilized.

The type and severity of lymphoma determine the response to any particular treatment. Other treatments for lymphoma can include radioimmunotherapy or immunotherapy alone; surgery is rarely a treatment option.

In my spouse's case, he had Stage III (of I to IV with IV being the most severe) of an aggressive type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. That meant hitting him hard and fast with chemotherapy. They began it almost immediately. The first treatment was excruciating and weakened him, but it provided great results. After a week, he was released with a treatment plan that included five additional chemotherapy sessions.

As we left the hospital, I remember watching my husband - stooped over, thinner by 30-some pounds, frail and weak - as he carefully got into the car in the parking lot. I wondered whether he would ever return to his vibrant, irreverent self.

Statistics for New Cases and Deaths

In 2008, my spouse was one of the estimated 74,340 people to be diagnosed with lymphoma. In that same year, it was estimated that 20,150 people with lymphoma would die. Staggering statistics that we couldn't seem to comprehend at the time.

The American Cancer Society's Facts & Figures 2010 lists the expected new cases and estimated deaths for men and women in the U.S. for 2010 for lymphoma as follows:

Estimated New Cancers (2010)


Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 8,490
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 65,540

Estimated Cancer Deaths (2010)


Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 1,320
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 20,210

Prognosis

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for Hodgkin's Lymphoma is 85%; the 10-year survival rate is 81%. It is much tougher to pin down survival rates for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Prognosis varies depending on the type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, as well as other factors including the stage, the cell type, blood counts, other medical problems, etc.

Since his last chemotherapy treatment in November 2008, my husband's periodic scans have been clean and his prognosis is excellent. He's back to his old self, with only two visible scars (one from the biopsy and the other marking the location of the port used to administer chemotherapy), the scans, and doctor's appointments to remind us that life is tenuous.

While I continue to scour information about both types of lymphoma, my husband rarely, if ever, speaks about it, although he is conscientious about his scans. Looking back, the most angst-filled time during the entire ordeal was while we were waiting for the final diagnosis. After all, looking at the facts and figures, it would seem Hodgkin's Lymphoma might be the 'preferred' disease, but it was not that simple. It was never necessarily that we thought one type of lymphoma was more 'optimistic' than the other; we just desperately needed to know for treatment purposes. Besides, I believe there are too many other factors involved in survival, i.e., the severity, the treatment, response to treatment, etc., that overshadow any mere numbers linked to a particular type of disease. In fact, I honestly believe the most important factor is the patient's attitude.

In my husband's case, he just had lymphoma - didn't matter which to him. He just wanted to put it behind him. He went back to work as soon as he could and worked around his chemotherapy, taking little time off. He did not let cancer stop him, he did not let it define him and, unless he told you, you would never know.




Linda R. Prior is a freelance writer with over 25 years of writing experience. Find her at http://www.lindarprior.com.





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2012年5月24日 星期四

Characteristics of Hodgkin's Lymphoma


Lymphomas are the cancer of the lymphoid tissue, so Hodgkin's disease which is a type of lymphoma, is also a cancer of this tissue. Lymphoid tissue is part of the lymphatic system which is a major component of the immune defense system. The elements that represents the immune system are organs like spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, cells and vesels.THe lymph is a fluid made of plasma and white blood cells, created and transported from tissues to the bloodstream by the immune system.

The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs located in different areas of the body. this is the place where the lymph usually develops. There are some situations in which lymph develops in patches of lymphatic tissue in organs like the stomach or intestines.

The lymphoma is classified in two categories of diseases, the Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The appearance under the microscope of the cancer cells is different in these two types of lymphoma. The malignant cells which are present in Hodgkin's lymphoma or the simply Hodgkin's disease are called by the scientists Reed-Sternberg cells. This disease was identified for the first time in 1832 by the physician Hodgkin. That's why this disease is called like this.The cause of Hodgkin's lymphoma is not very well known, but there are known the risk factors that may make a person more likely to develop it. These factors include a compromised immune system and the exposure to the Epstein Barr virus. This virus is responsible for the infectious mononucleosis.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare form of cancer. It can affect adults and children. It is more frequent between 15 to 40 years and after 55 years. It is also more common in men.

The symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma are similar to the symptoms of every infections: enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands), night sweats and unexplained weight loss. It is very important for the individuals who experience these symptoms to contact a physician to determine the cause. If it is suspected the Hodgkin's disease, it is recommended to make a biopsy of the area. The procedure involves removing a small sample of the lymph node tissue which will be exanimate under a microscope.

If the diagnosis is sure, the physician must establish how far the cancer has spread or the stage of the disease. This is necessary for the physician to plan the treatment and it is known that the if the disease has been identified in a lower stage there is a better prognosis for recovery.

Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma. Lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphoid tissue which is part of the lymphatic system. This is a major component of the immune system which consists of organs such as spleen, lymph nodes and vessels. The lymphatic system produces and transports a fluid made of plasma and white blood cells called lymph, from tissues to the bloodstream.

As the lymph nodes, small, bean-shaped organs are located in different areas of the body, Hodgkin's lymphoma can start almost everywhere. The lymph nodes are found to the neck, armpit, chest and groin. So it usually begins in the lymph nodes, but in some cases, it can start in patches of lymphatic tissue in organs such as the stomach or intestines. The function of the lymph nodes is to produce immune cells like lymphocytes and plasma cells which are involved in filtering bacteria, cancer cells and other foreign material from lymph and which harm the body. When the antigens reaches into the lymph nodes and they recognize them they respond by enlarging and producing additional white blood cells. These white blood cells include lymphocytes and antibodies that help combat a variety of external threats.

There are known two types of lymphocytes involved in the immune response:

* B lymphocytes (B-cells) which defend the body from invading bacteria and other harmful substances. These particles activate the B cells and they transform into plasma cells, which produce antibodies. The antibodies mark the antigens or the foreign materials and then they destroy them.

* T lymphocytes (T-cells) destroy antigens, infected and malignant cells directly, without producing antibodies.

If the lymphocytes cells continue to grow and expand, the lymph glands or other organs in which they are located begin to enlarge. The cells form lumps which develops in the body. The organ function is affected because of the lymphocyte masses which grow larger. It is more difficult for normal cells to function.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is named after the physician who first discovered it in 1832. Hodgkin's lymphoma spreads through the lymph vessels to neighboring lymph nodes and even to other areas of the body including the liver, bone marrow, spleen or lungs through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream.

The other kind of lymphoma is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is more frequent than the other form. Hodgkin's lymphoma can usually be distinguished from Non- Hodgkin's when tissue is examined under a microscope. This tissue is optained using the method of biopsy. The characteristic cells found in Hodgkin's lymphoma are known as Reed-Sternberg cells and they are named after the physicians who first described them in detail. It is thought that Reed-Sternberg cells are a form of malignant B-cells.




For more resources about lymphoma please review http://www.lymphoma-center.com/non-hodgkins-lymphoma.htm or http://www.lymphoma-center.com/symptoms-of-lymphoma.htm





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