Lymphoma

Question 1

What is a lymphoma?

Answer 1

Cancer that affect the lymphocytes inside the lymphatic system. The cancer cells proliferate inside lymph nodes leading to enlarged lymph nodes - lymphadenopathy

Question 2

What are the 2 different types of lymphoma - and what do both of these terms represent?

Answer 2

Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a specific disease and non-Hodgkins lymphoma encompasses all the other lymphomas

Question 3

1) What causes a Hodgkins lymphoma?
2) What is the pattern of age distribution of Hodgkins lymphoma?

Answer 3

1) Tumour of lymphocytes
2) Bimodal - peaks at 25 and 75

Question 4

Name 2 risk factors for Hodgkins lymphoma

Answer 4

• HIV
• Epstein-Barr Virus
• Autoimmune conditions i.e. RA, sarcoidosis
• Family history

Question 5

1) What is the main symptom of Hodgkins lymphoma?
2) Name 3 other symptoms it may present with

Answer 5

1) Lymphadenopathy in the neck, axilla or inguinal region
2) Fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, itching, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, recurrent infections

Question 6

1) What is the key diagnostic test?
2) What is the key finding from this investigation that can indicate a Hodgkins lymphoma, and what is it?
3) What staging is used for lymphomas?

Answer 6

1) Lymph node biopsy
2) Reed-Sternberg cell - abnormally large B cells that have multiple nuclei that have nucleoli inside them
3) Ann Arbor Staging

Question 7

What are the 2 key treatments for Hodgkins lymphoma?

Answer 7

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy