The lymph or the lymphatic system is a network of tissues, nodes, and vessels that transports lymph fluid throughout the body. This fluid has infection-fighting white blood cells that rid the body of toxins and waste and destroy bacteria and viruses and prevent them from causing and spreading infections.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system that develops in white blood cells, which are called lymphocytes. Lymphoma can affect any portion of the lymph system like the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, and tonsils. There are over 70 different types of lymphoma, and the life-threatening condition can develop at any age but is rampant among children and young adults aged less than 30 years.
Symptoms of lymphoma
Before studying the different types of lymphoma, knowing the symptoms will prove handy in diagnosing the condition and getting timely treatment. Most conditions of lymphoma are treatable and manifest the following symptoms:
- Similar to those of viral diseases like the common cold
- Continuous fever without infections
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Excessive weight loss and loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue and loss of energy
- Swelling and pain in the lymph nodes
- Persistent coughing
- Fatigue
- Bone pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen
- Itchy rashes
Types of lymphoma
The different types of lymphoma comprise two main types and several subtypes within them. Here we shall see the subtypes of one of the main types of the disease: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The most common among the different types of lymphoma, this is thrice as likely to occur than Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The types of this condition depend on the cells it affects and the characteristics of the cell. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) starts from the B and T cells in the immune system, and the different types of NHL include the following:
B-cell lymphoma
It’s called Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and is the most aggressive type of this type of lymphoma. The abnormal B cells in the blood trigger the onset of this disease and affect the lymphatic system. It usually occurs in the bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen. It can be cured by treatment but can be fatal if left untreated.
T-cell lymphoma
Although not as common as B-cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma mainly affects the skin but can also affect the lymph nodes, internal organs, and blood. T-cell lymphomas are classified into:
- Mycosis fungoides that cause lesions that can be mistaken for some skin conditions.
- Sézary syndrome is an advanced form of mycosis fungoides that attacks the blood, lymph nodes, and other organs.
Burkitt’s lymphoma
This is a rare but aggressive disease affecting individuals with a weakened immune system. It commonly affects children in the Sub-Saharan region, but it can also affect people in other parts of the world.
Follicular lymphoma
Mostly affecting older adults, this condition starts in the white blood cells. It is a slow-growing condition and is one of the most common cancers among people in the country.
Mantle cell lymphoma
It’s a rare and aggressive type of NHL that often develops in the gastrointestinal tract or the bone marrow, and it is commonly diagnosed at a later stage.
Small lymphocytic lymphoma
This slow-growing lymphoma is found in the lymph nodes and is very similar to chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
