What is lymphoma? A brief introduction to lymphoma

In order to ensure the popularization effect of learning health knowledge in the 3rd China Elderly Health Knowledge Competition, the organizers have collected various health science articles suitable for elderly people to learn from various hospitals. We will share them through the "Health Lecture Hall" column. Today we share the popular science article about lymphoma brought by Hou Yanli from the Department of Oncology and Hematology of Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Elderly friends are welcome to learn.

Lymphoma is a malignant tumor involving the lymphatic system and one of the top ten most common malignant tumors in the world. It originates from a certain type of cell in the lymphatic tissue and can occur in any part of the human body. In recent years, the incidence of lymphoma in my country has gradually increased. Currently, the number of cases per year is about 101,500, which will increase by about 4%-5% each year. Among all tumor diseases, it is one of the fastest-growing ones, and the population with the most cases is over 65 years old.

Nearly 90% of early lymphomas are curable, but due to insufficient knowledge about lymphoma, people miss out on the best treatment. Next, let’s take a brief look at lymphoma.

Why does lymphoma occur?

Through research, we found that the occurrence of lymphoma may be related to genetic and environmental factors. Imagine that our body is like a complex city, and the lymphatic system is the defense and security organization in this city. It is responsible for monitoring and removing harmful substances and abnormal cells in our body, just like the police and security personnel in the city. However, when genetic factors or environmental problems occur, it will cause the lymphatic system to malfunction, just as problems in the city cause the police and security personnel to be unable to work properly.

In addition, environmental factors can also play a role in the development of lymphoma. For example, certain viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, have been shown to be associated with the development of lymphoma. Chemical exposure, such as certain chemicals encountered in the work environment, may also increase the risk of lymphoma.

Clinical manifestations of lymphoma Early symptoms: In the early stages of lymphoma, swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom, and it mainly appears in the lymph nodes near the neck, armpits and groin. The lymph nodes in these areas become swollen due to the presence of lymphoma. Lymphoma patients often experience the following symptoms in the early stages: they feel persistent fatigue and weakness, and it is difficult to eliminate this feeling even after resting. In addition, they may experience weight loss problems, and their weight will continue to drop even if they eat normally.

Progressive symptoms: Lymphoma will gradually become more obvious, like a seed growing in the soil. Lymphoma will also continue to grow, and the swollen lymph nodes will spread to other parts of the body, such as the chest and abdomen. This will cause problems and symptoms related to these parts, and patients will continue to feel pain or discomfort, like a pressure on the body. When lymphoma causes hepatosplenomegaly, abdominal pain and digestive problems will occur, just like we eat too much.

Complications of lymphoma: Lymphoma may cause some complications, especially problems related to the immune system. Because lymphoma affects the normal function of the immune system, patients are more likely to get infections and the infections may last longer. In addition, certain subtypes of lymphoma may have a negative impact on the patient's own immune system, leading to autoimmune diseases, which is like our immune system mistakenly attacking our own body as an enemy, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Other possible complications include blood system problems, nervous system problems, and urination problems.

How to diagnose lymphoma

Physical examination: Did you know that lymphoma often causes swollen lymph nodes, so doctors will carefully observe the size, texture, tenderness, and palpability of the lymph nodes. They will also act like detectives to observe whether there are other suspicious symptoms, such as hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, and bleeding tendency. Through a physical examination, doctors can make a preliminary judgment on whether we have lymphoma.

Blood test: Blood test is like a general cleaning of our body, which is very important! Doctors usually ask us to do a complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate whether the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in our blood is normal. For patients with lymphoma, some indicators will be abnormal, such as lymphocyte count and platelet count. In addition, doctors will also check our blood biochemical indicators, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and uric acid. These indicators can tell doctors more about our condition and metabolic status in our body.

Imaging tests: Did you know that our bodies are so amazing that doctors can "see through" our insides through some special examination methods? Common imaging tests include CT, MRI, and PET/CT. Just like watching a science fiction movie, CT and MRI can help doctors check lymph nodes and other areas that may be affected by lymphoma. PET/CT is more advanced and can show doctors more detailed images to help them determine the specific location, size, and extent of lymphoma. Through these imaging tests, doctors can get a clearer understanding of the secrets inside our bodies.

Lymphatic tissue biopsy : This step is like the detective finale of lymphoma, it is very critical! Through lymphatic tissue biopsy, doctors can obtain lymphatic tissue samples, and then perform pathological analysis and cytological examination. It is like a doctor reviewing the evidence under a magnifying glass to determine the subtype, grade and stage of lymphoma and develop the most appropriate treatment plan. Lymphatic tissue biopsy is the "gold standard" for diagnosing lymphoma, and its results will have a huge impact on our treatment and prognosis, just like the key clues that determine our fate.

Treatment of lymphoma

There are many different treatments for lymphoma. Just like choosing a weapon, doctors will choose the most appropriate weapon to fight this stubborn enemy based on the patient's specific situation.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is like planting a bomb in the heart of the enemy. The drugs enter the patient's bloodstream and sneak into every part of the body like secret agents. They seek out and destroy cancer cells hiding in the nests of lymphoma.

Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is like sending out a powerful team of archers, using high-energy rays or particle beams to precisely attack lymphoma lesions. Radiation is like a sharp arrow that hits the enemy's weak points and prevents the spread of the disease. Radiotherapy is usually combined with chemotherapy, just like forming an invincible team to improve the treatment effect.

Immunotherapy : Immunotherapy is like activating the patient's hero gene, making their immune system extremely powerful. By using antibodies, cell vaccines and other technical means, immunotherapy represented by chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) can make immune cells brave, take the initiative to attack and eliminate cancer cells in the body. This technology can not only increase the cure rate, but also reduce the damage to the body caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, just like bringing a magical shield to the patient.

Bone marrow transplantation: In some cases, bone marrow transplantation is like injecting a new source of life into the patient. Healthy hematopoietic stem cells are like silent workers, helping to rebuild the hematopoietic system destroyed by lymphoma. They are collected from the patient or the donor, and after careful processing, they are transplanted back into the patient. These new life hematopoietic stem cells are like warriors with wings, rebuilding the patient's immune system and providing strong hematopoietic ability, allowing the patient to regain normal hematopoietic function.

TCM treatment: It is generally believed that the dialectical treatment of malignant lymphoma is related to the course of the disease. In the early stage, the treatment is mainly to eliminate evil and fight cancer; in the middle stage, the treatment is to combine strengthening the body and eliminating evil and fighting cancer; in the late stage, the treatment is mainly to strengthen the body and supplement the body, supplemented by eliminating evil and fighting cancer. TCM dialectical treatment plays an important role in the treatment of lymphoma. It can effectively improve the patient's physical condition and clinical symptoms and enhance immunity when used alone. Combined with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, it can produce synergistic effects and reduce toxic side effects.

These treatments are like an exciting battle, in which patients engage in a fierce showdown with lymphoma. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy are like heroic weapons, penetrating the blood, shooting at lesions, and awakening heroic cells. Bone marrow transplantation is like a miracle of reconstruction, allowing patients to regain vitality and stand up again. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment plays a synergistic role in this battle. This is the era of "precision" treatment. In this battle, different people may need different weapons because everyone is unique. Doctors will choose the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient's condition, just like equipping each soldier with special armor and weapons. After reading this, do you understand lymphoma?

About the Author:

Hou Yanli, female, attending physician of the Oncology and Hematology Department of Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, has been engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors and blood diseases for 10 years. She mainly engages in the diagnosis and treatment of various solid tumors and blood tumors. During her clinical work, she is responsible for the promotion of tumor science knowledge in the department and has written and published many popular science articles.