TREATMENT for the non-HODGKIN's

     Treatment for the non-hodgkin's mostly are biopsy's..the way they treat different type of cancer. But of course biopsis focused on the affected part of the body in which case in these disease it will be the lymph nodes.

Lymph node biopsy: The removal of all or part of a lymph node. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells. One of the following types of biopsies may be done:

Excisional biopsy: The removal of an entire lymph node.
Incisional biopsy: The removal of part of a lymph node.

Core biopsy: The removal of part of a lymph node using a wide needle.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: The removal of bone marrow, blood, and a small piece of bone by inserting a needle into the hipbone or breastbone. A pathologist views the bone marrow, blood, and bone under a microscope to look for signs of cancer.
Liver function tests: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by the liver. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the blood is checked for an enzyme called lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). LDH levels help determine prognosis (chance of recovery).

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:

• The stage of the cancer.

• The type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

• The patient’s age and general health.

• Whether the lymphoma has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).

• Prognosis also depends on the level of LDH in the blood.

TREATMENT for PREGNANT patients

For non-Hodgkin lymphoma during pregnancy, the treatment options also depend on:

• The wishes of the patient.

• Which trimester of pregnancy the patient is in.

• Some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma spread more quickly than others do.

Most non-Hodgkin lymphomas that occur during pregnancy are aggressive. Delaying treatment of aggressive lymphoma until after the baby is born may lessen the mother's chance of survival. Immediate treatment is often recommended, even during pregnancy.

symptoms..non-hodgkin's

    Here are some symptoms you should watch out for detecting non-hodgkin's lymphoma. In any case, any of these appears to you, don't jump into conclusion and scare yourself..a visit to your doctor is still the main thing to do to confirm becuase these symptoms may also be a symptoms to other kinds of diseases.

Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Risk factors for adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma include the following:

1. Being older, male, or white.

2. Having one of the following medical conditions:

• An inherited immune disorder (for example, hypogammaglobulinemia or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome). (no idea what that is, maybe I should research that too :D)
• An autoimmune disease (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or Sjögren syndrome). (Nope.)
• HIV /AIDS. (hahaha, now I feel good, know what I mean? I may not have non-hodgkin’s then..^_^)
• Human T-lymphotrophic virus type I or Epstein-Barr virus.

• A history of Helicobacter pylori infection.
• Taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant.
• Being exposed to certain pesticides.
• A diet high in meats and fat.
• Past treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Possible signs of adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma include fever, sweating, fatigue, and weight loss. (well, I gained weight now. :)

These and other symptoms may be caused by adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
 

• Painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, groin, or stomach.
• Fever for no known reason.
• Drenching night sweats.
• Feeling very tired.
• Weight loss for no known reason.
• Skin rash or itchy skin.
• Pain in the chest, abdomen, or bones for no known reason.
• Tests that examine the body and lymph system are used to help detect (find) and diagnose adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA- common affected parts

   As promised, I am putting additional information about this disease..I hope you will find it informational ^_^
and that it may help you understand it more.. :-)

The lymph system is part of the immune system and is made up of the following:

Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system and carries white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes protect the body against infections and the growth of tumors.

Lymph vessels: A network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different parts of the body and return it to the bloodstream.
Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and store white blood cells that help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are located along the network of lymph vessels found throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen, and groin.
 
Spleen: An organ that makes lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.

Thymus: An organ in which lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone.

Tonsils: Two small masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils make lymphocytes.
Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones. Bone marrow makes white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma can begin in almost any part of the body. Cancer can spread to the liver and many other organs and tissues.

(Wow! Maybe I should return to my doctor and have me check again. Some small lymph in my shoulder is still there and I have problem with my throat every now and then. Pray, it should be a simple sore throat.)

 

You may now in fear and wondering if the your lymps are non-hodgkin's or not..in my next post i will tell you all about non-hodgkin's symptoms. Watch out!