Lymphomas
Overview of Lymphomas
Lymphomas are the type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphocytes which then affect the lymphatic system. It is important to know the type of lymphoma an individual has.
Signs and Symptoms of Lymphomas
Our lymphatic system is responsible for getting rid of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials from the body. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. It distributes lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells throughout the body.
Lymphomas ( لَمفاوی رَسولی ) is the cancer of the lymphatic system. It is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphocytes which travel to the lymphatic system.
The abnormal lymphocytes build up in the lymphatic system such as in the lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, or groin. There are more than 60 different types of lymphomas.
Prevalence of Lymphomas
It is the 5th most commonly occurring cancer in the UK. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is the 1oth most common cancer in men and the 12th in women with more than 200,000 deaths worldwide each year.
The prevalence of Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Pakistan is 4.9 and 4.7 percent respectively.
The 5-year survival rate in the early stages is 92 percent. If the cancer is spread regionally this rate falls to 94 percent and in the case of metastasis, the rate falls to 78 percent.
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Types of Lymphomas
Signs and symptoms of Lymphomas are termed as ‘B symptoms include:
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Shortness of Breath
- Weight loss (unexplained)
- Itchy Skin
- Fatigue (persistent)
- Painless swelling of lymph nodes
- Difficulty getting over infections
- Anemia
Risk Factors of Lymphomas
This type of cancer like other cancers occurs due to DNA mutations causing the cells to grow out of control. When lymphocytes grow out of control, normal cells could die.
This type of cancer like other cancers occurs due to DNA mutations causing the cells to grow out of control. When lymphocytes grow out of control, normal cells could die.
Prevention
Some of the common risk factors for lymphomas include:
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Medications
Those people who have undergone an organ transplant ought to take special medicines after such treatments. These medications may put a person at an increased risk of this disease.
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Viral and Bacterial Infections
Various viral and bacterial infections can make a person more vulnerable to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. HIV is a classic example of viral infection. On the other hand, bacterial infections are also equally responsible for the onset of this disease.
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Chemical Contamination
Pesticides and other chemicals which are mainly used to kill insects and weeds can be the cause of this cancerous disease. But the research on this prospect is currently limited.
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Age
Older age may be another risk factor for this disease. Although this disease can occur at any age. People who are above 60 years of age are more likely to develop this disease.
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Celiac Disease
People who are suffering from celiac disease have a large risk of developing this disease.
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Family History
This is not an infectious disease. But people who have had a family history of lymphatic cancer are highly prone to such mutations.
Complications of Lymphomas
People who have recovered from this disease may suffer from the long-term effects. Major complications of this disease are as follows:
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Weak Immune System
One of the most common complications is a weak immune system. Mostly the immune system recovers within months and years of the treatment. In case of an improperly working immune system, the person is more susceptible to foreign invasions. Some of the common symptoms of infections are:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body sore
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Rashes
Risk of Infertility
The common treatments of this disease are chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Most of the time it is temporary but it can also be permanent.
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Cancers
If a person has this disease then the chances of the person acquiring secondary cancers are also highly significant.
Furthermore, the treatment of cancer also increases the chance of getting another cancer. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy release radiations that affect the cells. This radiation exposure can then lead to the onset of mutation.
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Cardiac Issues
A poor lymphatic system is not able to cope up with bacterial intrusion and is at great risk of infections. That is why people who have had this disease are prone to develop cancerous mutations in their lymph nodes.
Diagnosis
It is a disease that majorly occurs due to genetic mutations. Thus, there is no exact way to prevent it. Because there is no definite cause for a person to acquire this disease hence there is no exact way to prevent it. Still, there are some measures that a person can take to lower down the overall risk.
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Avoid Risk Factors for HIV
If a person is suffering from an HIV infection then he or she is at a greater risk for developing these diseases. So a person should avoid contracting an HIV infection.
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Obesity
Being overweight is the main cause of a number of chronic diseases. Obesity can cause higher chances of getting NHL. Thus, make sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of this disease.
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Avoid Radiation Exposure
Radiations are highly toxic for cells. These rays can disrupt the cellular ability of cells and can change their genetic structure. This toxic exposure can lead to the onset of this disease of the lymphatic system. Therefore, make sure to avoid radiation exposures.
Treatment of Lymphomas | When to Consult a Doctor
A diagnosis is given by:
- Examining the swollen lymph nodes
- A biopsy of the lymph nodes is done to confirm the diagnosis
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow aspiration
- A CT, MRI, or PET Scan
Doctors to treat Lymphomas
Dr. Amjad S.K Durrani
Oncologist | MBBS, AFSA, Medical Oncology, DMRT
Wazir Habib Cancer Center (Johar Town) Rs 3500
Minimum Fee
Satisfaction Rate
Years of Experience
Highly recommended. Very good doctor
Minimum Fee
Satisfaction Rate
Years of Experience
Highly Recommended
Dr. Azhar Rashid
Oncologist | MBBS,FCPS,BSc,MSc
Neurospinal & Cancer Care Institute (NCCI) (Saddar) Rs 2000
Minimum Fee
Satisfaction Rate
Years of Experience
The doctor has a lot of experience
Doctors to treat Lymphomas in Pakistan
Speciality for Lymphomas
Hospitals to Treat Lymphomas in Pakistan
- Oncologist Hospitals in Abbottabad
- Oncologist Hospitals in Faisalabad
- Oncologist Hospitals in Gujranwala
- Oncologist Hospitals in Hyderabad
- Oncologist Hospitals in Islamabad
- Oncologist Hospitals in Karachi
- Oncologist Hospitals in Lahore
- Oncologist Hospitals in Multan
- Oncologist Hospitals in Peshawar
- Oncologist Hospitals in Quetta
- Oncologist Hospitals in Rawalpindi