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Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes, promoting their increase, and mainly affects type B defense cells. The symptoms of the disease appear as the immune system becomes compromised, with the appearance of symptoms such as night sweat, fever and itchy skin, for example, however there may be other symptoms depending on where the cancer is developing.
It is important that this type of lymphoma is identified in the early stages, as it is possible to prevent the spread of the tumor and thus have a greater chance of cure. Treatment must be guided by the oncologist, which can be done through radiotherapy, chemotherapy or the use of monoclonal drugs.
Symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
In most cases, lymphoma does not cause any type of symptom, only being identified in more advanced stages due to changes in the bone marrow, which directly interferes with the production of healthy blood cells. In addition, the symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can vary depending on where in the body it develops. Thus, in general, the main symptoms related to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are:
Increased lymph nodes, also known as lingual, mainly in the neck, behind the ears, armpits and groin;
- Anemia;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Fever;
- Lack of energy to carry out daily activities;
- Night sweat;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Itchy skin;
- Swelling in the face or body;
- Weight loss without apparent cause;
- Easy bleeding;
- Appearance of bruises on the body;
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort;
- Feeling of a full stomach after eating little food.
It is important for the person to consult the general practitioner as soon as they notice the appearance of tingles, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, as it is possible that tests can be done that can confirm the diagnosis and, thus, initiate the most appropriate treatment, promoting the quality of life.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma must be made initially by the general practitioner and then by the oncologist by assessing the symptoms presented by the person and assessing the person's history. In addition, to confirm the diagnosis, it is also recommended to have blood tests, biopsies, imaging tests, such as tomography, screening for sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B, and myelogram.
These tests serve to confirm the existence of the disease and to identify the type of tumor and its stage, which is essential for the choice of treatment.
Treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma should be done according to the oncologist's guidance and varies according to the type and stage of the lymphoma, and surgery and use of drugs that reduce tumor proliferation, stimulate the blood cell production and improve the person's quality of life.
Thus, the treatment for this type of lymphoma is made with a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, in which the use of drugs that work with the objective of stopping the proliferation of cancer cells, promoting the elimination of the tumor and increasing production is indicated. defense cells of the organism.
Chemotherapy sessions last an average of 4 hours, in which the person receives oral and injectable medications, however, when non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more severe, it can also be associated with radiotherapy sessions at the lymphoma site in order to promote tumor elimination. Both chemo and radiotherapy can cause side effects such as nausea and hair loss.
In addition to the treatment indicated by the oncologist, it is important that the person maintains a healthy lifestyle, practicing physical activity on a regular basis and having a healthy and balanced diet, which must be guided by the nutritionist.
Prognosis in case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
The prognosis in case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is very individualized, as it depends on several factors such as the type of tumor that the individual has, its stage, the individual's general health status, the type of treatment that has been done and when it was started.
The survival rate for this type of tumor is high but varies according to:
- Age: the older the person, the greater the chances of no cure;
- Tumor volume: when more than 10 cm, the worse the chances of cure.
Thus, people over 60 years of age, who have tumors over 10 cm are less likely to cure and may die in about 5 years.