#Cancer swollen lymph nodes how to

Certain infections can be connected with higher rates of lymphoma. Whether because of an immune disease or immune suppressive drugs, lymphoma is more common in people with an impaired immune system. In Hodgkin lymphoma, cases are predominantly seen in two peaks, often in young adults 20 to 40, and again in older people over 55. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the risk increases as you get older, with about half the people diagnosed over the age of 65. Although both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can occur at any age, they do have a pattern. There are, however, a variety of things that can increase your risk. We don't always know exactly what caused that initial mutation, but we know the effects that it has downstream. These particular DNA mutations affect lymphocytes, which accumulate in the lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system to form tumors, crowding out healthy tissue and limiting its ability to function. These disease cells then continue to multiply at a rapid rate, producing more disease cells.

#Cancer swollen lymph nodes how to

Like all cancers, lymphoma is the result of mutations in DNA that instruct the cells on how to grow, and the cells often grow out of control and live longer than they should. This category includes any cancer of lymphocytes that doesn't involve Reed- Sternberg cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, while more common than Hodgkin lymphoma, is still very uncommon and a relatively rare disease overall. And it's actually considered one of the most treatable forms of cancer. This often means that it can be detected and treated early. And it usually begins in lymph nodes of the neck, the chest, under the arms, and progresses in an orderly fashion and predictable fashion to other lymph node sites. This is an uncommon form of lymphoma identified by the presence of rare large cells, which are called Reed- Sternberg cells. There are different types of lymphoma, but really two main categories. And so lymphoma cells can collect anywhere. Often, these abnormal cells will build up and cause tumors in the lymph nodes, which are actually present throughout your body. And lymphoma occurs when one of these types of lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably. There are two types of lymphocytes, T cells and B cells. The lymphatic system produces lymphocytes, or white blood cells, which fight off pathogens, bacteria and the like.

First, what exactly is the lymphatic system? Well, it's actually a crucial part of the immune system. Treatment is highly successful for the majority of patients. But recent advances in how we treat lymphoma and ongoing research means there's a lot of hope. Cancer diagnosis of any kind can be very difficult to deal with. Lymphoma is an overarching term for a kind of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself or someone you love, we're here to give you the best information available.

In this video, we're going to cover the basics of lymphoma.