Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Flashcards
Define Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Lymphomas are malignancies of lymphoid cells originating in lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissues
What do Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma consist of?
A diverse group consisting of:
- 85% B Cell
- 15% T Cell and NK cell forms
What can Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma range from?
Stable indolent disease to aggressive disease
What is the aetiology of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Complex process involving the accumulation of multiple genetic lesions
The changes in the genome in certain lymphoma subtypes have been associated with the introduction of foreign genes via oncogenic viruses (e.g. EBV and Burkitt’s Lymphoma)
What are some of the other risk factors of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Radiotherapy Immunosuppressive agents Chemotherapy HIV, HBV, HCV Connective tissue disease (e.g. SLE)
What is the epidemiology of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Incidence increases with age
More common in males
More common in the Western World
What are the presenting symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Painless Enlarging Mass (in neck, axilla or groin)
Systemic Symptoms (occurs less frequently than in hodgkin’s)
Symptoms related to organ involvement
What are the Systemic Symptoms in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Fever
Night Sweats
Weight Loss > 10% body weight
Symptoms of hypercalcaemia
What are the Symptoms related to organ involvement in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Extranodal disease is more common in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma than Hodgkin's Lymphoma Skin rashes Headache Sore throat Abdominal Discomfort Testicular Swelling
What are the signs of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Painless Firm Rubbery Lymphadenopathy Skin Rashes Abdominal mass Hepatosplenomegaly Signs of Bone Marrow Involvement
What are the skin rashes in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Mycosis Fungoides - looks like a fungal infection but is in fact a cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma
What are the signs of Bone Marrow Involvement in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Anaemia
Infections
Purpura
What investigations would you do for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Bloods Blood Film Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy Imaging Lymph Node Biopsy Staging
What bloods would you do for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and what would you see?
FBC:
- Anaemia
- Neutropaenia
- Thrombocytopaenia
High ESR and CRP
Calcium may be raised
HIV,HBV and HCV serology
What would you see on a Blood Film in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Lymphoma cells may be visible in some patients
