Lymphoma Flashcards
What is lymphoma?
A type of cancer affecting the lymphocytes inside the lymphatic system causing abnormally large lymph nodes
What are the two main groups of lymphoma?
1) Hodgkin’s lymphoma
2) Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
What is the classical histological finding associated with Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Reed-Sternberg cells
Describe the appearance of Reed-Sternberg cells:
giant bilobed nucleus giving a cartoon owl eye appearance
What are the two peak age groups for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
1) 20-25
2) 80+
Give 4 risk factors for Hodgkin’s lymphoma:
1) HIV
2) Epstein-Barr virus
3) autoimmune conditions such as RA and sarcoidosis
4) family history
What is the most common cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Epstein-Barr virus
Give 3 examples of non-Hodgkin lymphomas:
1) diffuse large B cell lymphoma
2) Burkitt lymphoma
3) MALT lymphoma
What is the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
How does diffuse large B cell lymphoma present?
rapidly growing painless mass, seen typically in older patients
What two viruses are major risk factors for Burkitt lymphoma?
1) HIV
2) EBV
What are MALT lymphomas?
tumours of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, particularly the stomach
Give 7 risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphomas:
1) HIV
2) EBV
3) Hepatitis B and C
4) H. pylori (specifically for MALT lymphoma)
5) family history
6) exposure to pesticides
7) exposure to trichloroethylene
What is the key presentation associated with lymphoma?
lymphadenopathy found in the neck, axilla or groin
Give 3 features of the lymphadenopathy seen in lymphoma:
1) non-tender
2) firm
3) rubbery
What symptom may be elicited by drinking alcohol in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
lymph node pain
Other than lymphadenopathy, give 9 presentations associated with lymphoma:
1) fever
2) weight loss
3) night sweats
4) fatigue
5) recurrent infections
6) itching
7) cough
8) shortness of breath
9) abdominal pain
What is the gold standard investigation for lymphoma?
lymph node biopsy
What 3 scans can be used to stage lymphoma?
1) CT
2) MRI
3) PET
What classification system is used to stage lymphoma?
1) Lugano classification
Summarise the Lugano classification:
1) stage 1 - confined to one node or group of nodes
2) stage 2 - in more than one group of nodes but on the same side of the diaphragm
3) stage 3 - affects lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm
4) stage 4 - widespread involvement, including non-lymphatic organs such as the lungs or liver
What are the 2 management options used for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
1) chemotherapy
2) radiotherapy
Give 3 side effects associated with lymphoma chemotherapy:
1) susceptibility to infections
2) cognitive impairment
3) infertility
Give 3 side effects associated with radiotherapy chemotherapy:
1) increased risk of tissue fibrosis
2) secondary cancers
3) infertility
