Lymphoma Flashcards
what is lymphoma?
It is a cancer of certain types of white blood cells. these cells circulate throughout the body in the blood stream and in the lymphatic system which part of the body’s immune system.
Is hodgkin’s or non-hodgkin’s more common? what is their age distributions?
non-hodgkin’s is more common. increases with incidence as you age. hodgkin’s is less common, and it is bimodal age distribution (early 20s and then 65-80s)
What causes hodgkin’s lymphoma?
unknown, maybe thought to be EBV and it is increased in people with immunodeficient states
What causes non-hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Risk factors include previous radiation, chemo, immuosupressive tx or conditions. Agricultural pesticides, viral infections (HIV, Hep B&C, EBV–> Burkitts, H.Pylori–> MALT), autoimmune disease (RA, SLE), family history.
H. Pylori can cause what type of NH lymphoma?
MALT, which can be cured by a regimen of PPI, and 2 antibiotics.
what is the most common type of NH lymphoma?
diffuse large B cell
What HL histological type is most common?
nodular sclerosis
What NHL type of cell is the most common?
B cell and most express CD20. T cell is less common and usually a lower survival rate.
What are the physical findings for HL?
- painless mass (tendency to arise in a single node, usually cervical or supraclavicular node)
- Mediastinal mass found on CXR
- B symptoms (fever, unexplained weight loss of 10% of BW over last 6 months, drenching night sweats)
- pruritis
- pain after alcohol ingestion in lymph node
What are the physical finding for NHL?
- B symptoms (fever, weight loss, drenching night sweats)
- painless lympadenopathy
- Type specific:
-Indolent lymphomas: slow growing, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly
- GI lymphoma: anorexia, n/v, early safety, fullness
-CNS lymphoma: HA, lethargy, seizures
(sometimes you will see skin rash, itching, alcohol pain,fatigue)
Do the symptoms of NHL and HL tend to be the same?
Yes, they tend to present the same way.
What is the mainstay for evaluation of lymphoma?
Excisional lymph node biopsy. (FNA is NOT acceptable)
What lab work will you want to get for HL?
CBC with diff: could be normal
ESR: elevated in active disease
Immunophenotyping: Reed Sternberg Cells
Histological type: 4 types, most common is nodular sclerosis
What lab work will you want to get NHL?
- CBC with diff: could be normal, but later you may see anemia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, etc
- CMP: could see abnormal LFT levels
- Serum LD: elevated LD indicates poor prognosis
- ESR: elevated
What other diagnostics (besides labs) may you want to order for lymphoma?
- CXR: looking for mediastinal mass
- CT Scan: staging, get info on nodes
- Bone marrow biopsy: staging purposes