Lymphoma

Question 1

what are lymphomas

Answer 1

a group of cancers that affect the lymphatic system and proliferate within lymph nodes

ie cancers of the lymph nodes

2 types:

• Hodkin’s Lymphoma (a specific disease)
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (all other types of lymphoma)

Question 2

what age group gets Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Answer 2

Bimodal distribution

15-35

> 60

Question 3

who gets non-hodgkin’s lymphoma

Answer 3

more people than hodgkins

> 50

M>F

Question 4

what are 3 risk factors for Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Answer 4

EBV infection (glandular fever)
HIV infection
Family History

Question 5

what are 3 risk factors for non-hodgkin’s lymphoma

Answer 5

HIV infection

Autoimmunity

Immunodeficiency

Question 6

how does a lymphoma present

Answer 6

painless lymphadenopathy

fatigue
fever
weight loss

pain in centre of chest when drinking alcohol (hodgkins)

splenomegaly (non-hodgkins)

Question 7

how do you investigate a lymphoma

Answer 7

presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in Hodgkins (biopsy under a microscope)

FBC:
raised LDH

Question 8

how do you manage lymphomas

Answer 8

chemotherapy
radiotherapy

often watch and wait for non-hodgkins

monoclonal antibodies such as tiuximab