Lymphoma

Question 1

What is lymphoma?

Answer 1

• Lymphoma is a type of cancer affecting the lymphocytes inside the lymphatic system.

Question 2

What are the 2 categories of lymphoma?

Answer 2

1. Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a specific disease)
   Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (which includes all other types)

Question 3

What is the most common age to get Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Answer 3

20-25
Over 80

Question 4

What are some risk factors for Hodgkin’s lymphoma? (4)

Answer 4

• HIV
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis
• Family history

Question 5

What are 3 common types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Answer 5

Diffuse large b cell lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma
MALT lymphoma

Question 6

How does diffuse large b cell lymphoma usually present?

Answer 6

rapidly growing painless mass in older patients

Question 7

What is burkitt lymphoma associated with? (2)

Answer 7

EBV
HIV

Question 8

Where does MALT lymphoma affect?

Answer 8

mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, usually around the stomach

Question 9

What are the risk factors of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma? (7)

Answer 9

• HIV
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with MALT lymphoma
• Hepatitis B or C infection
• Exposure to pesticides
• Exposure to trichloroethylene (a chemical with a variety of industrial uses)
• Family history

Question 10

What is the main presenting feature of lymphoma?

Answer 10

Lymphadenopathy
Non tender and firm and rubbery

Question 11

When may people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma experience lymph node pain?

Answer 11

After drinking alcohol

Question 12

What are the B symptoms of lymphoma? (3)

Answer 12

○ Fever
○ Weight loss
○ Night sweats

Question 13

What is the diagnosis intervention in lymphoma?

Answer 13

Lymph node biopsy

Question 14

What cells are characteristic of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Answer 14

Reed-sternberg cells

Question 15

What are reed-sternberg cells? When are they seen?

Answer 15

○ They are large cancerous B lymphocytes with two nuclei and prominent nucleoli, giving them a cartoonish appearance of an owl face with large eyes.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Question 16

What is the Lugano classification?

Answer 16

• The Lugano classification system is used for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
It emphasises whether the affected nodes are above or below the diaphragm.

Question 17

What are the stages of the Lugano classification? (4)

Answer 17

a. Stage 1: Confined to one node or group of nodes
b. Stage 2: In more than one group of nodes but on the same side of the diaphragm (either above or below)
c. Stage 3: Affects lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm
d. Stage 4: Widespread involvement, including non-lymphatic organs, such as the lungs or liver

Question 18

What is the main treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma? (2)

Answer 18

Chemo and radiotherapy

Question 19

What are the management options in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma? (5)

Answer 19

• Watchful waiting
• Chemotherapy
• Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., rituximab, which targets B cells)
• Radiotherapy
• Stem cell transplantation

Question 20

What are some risks of radiotherapy?(3)

Answer 20

Tissue fibrosis
Secondary cancer
Infertility