Lymphoma

There are two major types of lymphoma which involve different types of lymphocytes— Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Of these two, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common. There are certain other rare types of lymphomas as well. Different types of lymphomas have different histological structures and growth rates and respond differently to treatment.

The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown in most cases. However, certain risk factors increase the chance of developing lymphoma.

• Age
  Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in people who are 60 years or older. Hodgkin lymphoma occurs in younger people also.
• Gender
  Lymphomas are more common in males. However, certain specific subtypes may be more common in females.
• Immunocompromised people
  Individuals whose immune system is weak either due to HIV infection, organ transplant, or other comorbidities are more susceptible to developing lymphomas.
• Diseases of the immune system
  The presence of certain diseases which affect the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome, or coeliac diseases, increases the risk of developing lymphomas.
• Previous infection
  Past infection with epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C virus, or human T-cell lymphoma virus increases the risk.
• Family history
  The risk of developing lymphoma substantially increases if a family member or a blood relative has the disease.
• Exposure to chemicals
  Exposure to some chemicals like benzene or pesticides increases the risk.
• Past irradiation exposure
  Previous exposure to radiation as a part of the treatment of certain cancers increases the risk of developing cancers in the future, including lymphomas.

• Enlarged and painless neck, axillary, or inguinal lymph nodes
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Tiredness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itching or pruritus

If you notice having any of the symptoms discussed above persistently to the extent that it worries you, you must visit Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai and get an appointment with an expert doctor

Before running any tests, certain questions regarding the signs and symptoms are asked from the patient to form a tentative clinical diagnosis. Additionally, the whole body is examined for signs of any abnormalities. During the physical examination, lymph nodes are also examined to see if they are enlarged. Please note that although the lymph nodes are enlarged in many different types of cancers, it is not a sure sign of cancer. Enlarged lymph nodes are a feature of certain infections as well. If the lymph nodes are found enlarged, a biopsy may be taken to confirm the presence or absence of malignant cells. For this test, a needle is used to remove a small amount of tissue from the lymph nodes, and it is sent for laboratory tests. Following are some other tests that are recommended for the diagnosis of lymphomas:

• Bone marrow aspiration followed by biopsy
  A needle is used to remove fluid or a part of the tissue from the bone marrow, which is then sent for cytological and histopathological examination.
• Chest X-ray
  Low doses of radiation are used to form the images of the inside of the chest.
• MRI
  Powerful magnetic fields and radio waves are used to form images of the inside of the chest on a monitor.
• PET scan
  During this imaging test, a radioactive substance is used to determine the presence of cancer cells inside the body.
• Molecular test
  These tests are used to look for any changes in the genes, proteins, and other substances in the cancer cells to determine the type of lymphoma.
• Blood tests
  Blood tests reveal the number of cells in the blood. This information is helpful to determine if these cells are within the normal range. An abnormal number of certain cells in the blood or the presence of unusual cells indicates the presence of a disease or an infection.

Treatments have improved a lot due to advancements in medical science. Many people are cured to a great extent after receiving adequate treatment. Also, compared to other types of cancers, lymphoma is very treatable. If you are looking for the best Lymphoma treatment hospital in Navi Mumbai, your search is over. Our cancer team can help you find the right treatment plan depending on your type of lymphoma and stage of the disease. The treatment of lymphomas depends on the type and its stage. Several treatment modalities are employed to treat lymphomas, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant or combination therapy.

• Chemotherapy
  This therapy uses certain drugs called chemotherapeutic agents to destroy the cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy
  High-energy rays like X-Rays are used to destroy cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy
  This therapy is aimed at using certain drugs to target the cancer cells and destroy them, sparing the normal cells.
• Stem cell transplant
  It is recommended for those patients in whom other treatment modalities have failed. Two types of stem cell transplant procedures can be performed— autologous transplant and allogeneic transplant. In an autologous transplant, your own cells are used, while in an allogeneic transplant, stem cells from a donor are taken.

Lymphoma treatment can lead to certain side effects. Do not hesitate to share your symptoms or discomfort with your medical team. There are ways to relieve every symptom, so you do not need to suffer. You should also ask the cancer team if you need to make any changes to your diet to make you feel better during the treatment. Consult a dietician to guide you with the right foods to eat. Doing a little physical exercise like walking and swimming helps relieve fatigue and anxiety associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Alternative therapies like relaxation, biofeedback, or guided imagery can also be used to relieve the pain.

We at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai can acknowledge that cancer treatment may drastically affect patients, both physically and psychologically. Therefore, during post-treatment follow-ups, we not only aim to help the patients physically but support them emotionally as well, thus delivering the best Lymphoma treatment in Navi Mumbai Common side effects such as tiredness, nausea and vomiting, neuropathy, mouth sores and depression are treated with supportive care therapies. Our team also provides psychological and mental support to patients who suffer from mental health problems post-treatment