What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It is a cancer of the white blood cells known as lymphocytes, and is the most common type of childhood cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?
The main symptom of lymphoma is a painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes. Other symptoms may include fever, night sweats, weight loss, feeling tired, and an enlarged spleen or liver.
What Are the Causes of Lymphoma?
The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, but there are certain risk factors that may increase the chance of developing this disease. These include a family history of lymphoma, a weakened immune system, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, and certain infections such as HIV or Epstein-Barr virus.
How is Lymphoma Diagnosed?
Lymphoma is diagnosed through a physical exam, imaging tests, blood tests, and a biopsy. The biopsy is used to examine the tissue taken from a lymph node or other area of the body to determine whether cancer cells are present.
What Are the Treatments for Lymphoma?
Treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the disease. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and bone marrow transplants.