Malignant Lymphomas Flashcards
What is a lymphoma?
Cancer of the lymphocytes
What is a lymphocyte?
Infection-fighting cell of immune system
Where can lymphocytes be often found? (4)
Lymph Nodes
Spleen
Thymus
Bone Marrow
What patients are more susceptible to lymphomas?
Those that are immunocompromised. Or previously exposed to EBV.
What are the two main types of lymphoma?
Hodgkins Lymphoma
Non-hodgkins lymphoma
[who said medicine was hard??]
What are the 3 ways that malignant lymphomas present?
- Nodal Disease
- Extranodal Disease (because immune system is everywhere)
- Systemic Symptoms
What are symptoms of nodal disease in lymphomas?
Lymphadenopathy
PAINLESS swelling of lymph nodes
Which areas usually present with lymphadenopathy?
Neck
Axillary
Groin
What percentage of non-hodgkins lymphoma present with nodal disease?
60%
therefore 40% is extranodal
What percentage of hodgkin’s lymphoma present with nodal disease?
Over 90% !
therefore, nodal is more likely to be hodgkins
What investigations do we conduct for lymphomas? (3)
- Lymph node biopsy / Biopsy of affected area
- Ultrasound imaging
- CT imaging
What treatment options are available for lymphomas? (3)
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Chemo
Radiotherapy
