Lymphoma Flashcards
What is lymphoma?
A type of cancer affecting the lymphocytes inside the lymphatic system
Cancerous cells proliferate inside lymph nodes, causing lymphadenopathy.
What are the two main categories of lymphoma?
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
What is the most common type of lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
What is the bimodal age distribution of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Peaks at 20-25 and 80 years
List some risk factors for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- HIV
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Autoimmune conditions (e.g. RA and sarcoidosis)
- Family history
What are the main types of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
- Burkitt lymphoma
- MALT lymphoma
What characterizes diffuse large B cell lymphoma?
Rapidly growing painless mass in older patients
What is Burkitt lymphoma associated with?
HIV and Epstein-Barr virus
What does MALT lymphoma affect?
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, usually around the stomach
List some risk factors for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- HIV
- Epstein-Barr virus
- H. pylori (MALT lymphoma)
- Hepatitis B and C
- Exposure to pesticides
- Exposure to trichloroethylene
- Family history
What are the common symptoms of lymphoma?
- Lymphadenopathy
- B symptoms (fever, weight loss, night sweats)
- Other non-specific symptoms (fatigue, itching, cough, SOB, abdominal pain, recurrent infections)
Describe lymphadenopathy in lymphoma.
Non-tender, feels firm and rubbery; in Hodgkin’s, may be tender post-alcohol
What are B symptoms in lymphoma?
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
What is the primary investigation for lymphoma?
Lymph node biopsy
What cells are identified in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Reed-Sternberg cells
What imaging techniques are used for staging lymphoma?
- CT
- MRI
- PET
What classification is used for Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Lugano classification
What does Stage 1 of the Lugano classification indicate?
Confined to one node or one group of nodes
What does Stage 2 of the Lugano classification indicate?
In more than one group of nodes but on the same side of the diaphragm
What does Stage 3 of the Lugano classification indicate?
Affects lymph nodes above and below the diaphragm
What does Stage 4 of the Lugano classification indicate?
Widespread involvement, including non-lymphatic organs
What is the management for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
What are the management options for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Watchful waiting
- Chemotherapy
- Monoclonal antibodies (e.g. rituximab)
- Radiotherapy
- Stem cell transplant
What is Burkitt’s lymphoma?
High-grade B-cell malignancy.
Two major forms:
1. endemic (African)
2. sporadic (in HIV)
What is the key microscopic finding in Burkitt’s lymphoma?
‘Starry sky’ appearance of lymphocytes
What is a big risk of chemotherapy in treating Burkitt’s lymphoma?
Tumour lysis syndrome
