Lymphoma: The battle on the body's "hidden front"

The lymphatic system, as our body's defense system, silently bears the responsibility of resisting foreign pathogens. However, when this system has problems, such as the occurrence of lymphoma, our body will face an invisible battle. So, what exactly is lymphoma? How does it affect our health? Let's walk into this battle on the "hidden front" of the body.

1. Overview of Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the body's natural defense system that is found throughout the body and helps fight infection and disease. Lymphoma develops when lymphatic tissue grows abnormally and forms masses. Lymphoma can occur anywhere in the body, but it is most common in tissues such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils.

2. Classification of Lymphoma

There are several ways to classify lymphoma, the most common of which are non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common type, accounting for more than 80% of all lymphomas. This type of lymphoma grows quickly and spreads easily to other tissues. Hodgkin lymphoma is relatively uncommon, but it has unique pathological characteristics and prognosis.

3. Symptoms of Lymphoma

The symptoms of lymphoma vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but common symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, etc. These symptoms may last for weeks or months and are accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, itchy skin, etc. Because the symptoms of lymphoma are similar to those of other diseases, early diagnosis is difficult.

4. Diagnosis of Lymphoma

A series of tests are required to diagnose lymphoma. First, the doctor will perform a detailed physical examination and medical history to preliminarily determine whether there is a possibility of lymphoma. Next, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are needed to observe abnormalities in lymph nodes and other tissues. If lymphoma is suspected, a pathological examination may be required, which is to remove a part of the tissue through surgery or puncture for microscopic examination. Pathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosing lymphoma.

5. Treatment of Lymphoma

Lymphoma is usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy. Chemotherapy is one of the main methods of treating lymphoma, using drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to damage the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to lose their ability to proliferate. In recent years, with the progress of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, more and more patients have achieved better treatment results and quality of life.

6. Prognosis of Lymphoma

Prognosis is an important indicator for evaluating the outcome of a disease. Due to the heterogeneity and individual differences of lymphoma, the prognosis varies from patient to patient. Generally speaking, patients with early detection and treatment have a better prognosis, while patients in the late stage have a worse prognosis. Factors that affect prognosis include the malignancy of the tumor, the stage, the choice of treatment method, and the patient's physical condition.

Conclusion

Lymphoma is a complex malignant tumor that poses a threat to our body's defense system. By understanding the classification, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of lymphoma, we can better understand this disease and take scientific and effective measures to treat and prevent it. At the same time, the medical community is constantly exploring new treatment methods and technologies to bring better treatment effects and quality of life to patients. Let us look forward to the progress of medicine and make unremitting efforts to defeat this stubborn disease of lymphoma!