Subtitle: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AHA) and Lymphoma
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AHA) is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys red blood cells. This can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and the amount of hemoglobin they contain. AHA can be caused by a number of different conditions, and is most commonly associated with lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Lymphoma can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, lungs, digestive tract, and brain.
There are two main types of lymphoma that are associated with AHA: Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL). DLBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and is usually found in the lymph nodes and other organs. PMBCL is a rare form of lymphoma that primarily affects the chest and is usually found in the thymus.
Both DLBCL and PMBCL can cause AHA, as the cancer cells can produce antibodies that attack the body's own red blood cells. Treatment for AHA due to lymphoma typically involves chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of both. In some cases, immunosuppressive drugs may also be given to help reduce the production of antibodies.
