Lymphoma Flashcards
What is lymphoma?
Group of cancers that affect the lymphocytes in the lymphatic system
What are the two main categories of lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
What causes Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Proliferation of lymphocytes
Risk factors for Hodgkin’s lymphoma
HIV
Epstein-Barr Virus
Autoimmune conditions e.g. RA and sarcoidosis
Family history
Presentation of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Lymphadenopathy is key presenting symptom (characteristically non-tender and feel “rubbery”)
Some experience pain in lymph nodes when drinking alcohol
B symptom:
Fever
Weight loss
Night sweats
Investigations in Hodgkin’s lymphoma
LDH (raised)
Lymph node biopsy
Reed-Sternberg cells on lymph node biopsy
CT, MRI and PET for diagnosing and staging
Staging of lymphoma
Ann-Arbor
Stage 1: Confined to one region of lymph nodes
Stage 2: In more than one region but on the same side of the diaphragm (either above or below)
Stage 3: Affects lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm
Stage 4: Widespread involvement including non-lymphatic organs such as the lungs or liver
Management of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Aim treatment is to cure
Risk of relapse, other haematological cancers and side effects of medications
Chemotherapy creates a risk of leukaemia and infertility
Radiotherapy creates a risk of cancer, damage to tissues and hypothyroidism
Burkitt lymphoma associations
Epstein-Barr virus, malaria and HIV
MALT lymphoma associations
Affects mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, usually around the stomach
Associated with H. pylori infection
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma presentation
Rapidly growing painless mass in patients over 65 years
Risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
HIV
Epstein-Barr Virus
H. pylori (MALT lymphoma)
Hepatitis B or C infection
Exposure to pesticides and a specific chemical called
trichloroethylene used in several industrial processes
Family history
How do you differentiate Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Lymph node biopsy
Management of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Watchful waiting
Chemotherapy
Monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab
Radiotherapy
Stem cell transplantation
