When we talk about non-Hodgkin lymphoma we are referring to a subtype of lymphoma that affects blood cells, similar to leukemia. If the cells that are affected by this type of lymphoma are lymphocytes, that is, a type of white blood cells essential for our immune system, it is when we are faced with a type of cancer that weakens our health and endangers our well-being.
For people to have more knowledge of the disease there is World Lymphoma Day.
Below we’ll find out what non-Hodgkin lymphoma is, its most common causes, and symptoms so you get to know this disease better.
What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is known as the NHL or simply as lymphoma. It is a type of cancer that affects lymphocytes, that is, a type of white blood cell that is part of our defenses.
It is included under the terminology of Lymphony not Hodgkin, a large majority of lymphomas that have similar characteristics and are therefore treated very similarly. This disease mainly affects adults and their aggression is less common among child patients.
Causes of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Determining the causes of the onset of lymphoma or a type of cancer is extremely complicated. In the case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the medical community cannot know for sure what is the real cause of the onset of this disease. In many cases, this lymphoma usually appears because the patient has a somewhat weakened immune system; however, the diagnosis is established because the body begins to generate lymphocytes that are not entirely common.
It can be known if the white blood cells generated are common because they have a life cycle that is very predictable. The old dies and the body is in charge of creating new lymphocytes to replace them and our defenses are strengthened. But patients who have non-Hodgkin lymphoma don’t have this life cycle: old people don’t die, grow and divide. This causes a surplus of white blood cells in our body that accumulate in the nodes and swell.
Symptoms of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
And what are the most common symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma? You should know that patients who have NHL may have different symptoms, although some are the most common and easy to detect. Here’s what we’re:
- Swollen and swollen lymph nodes in areas such as groin, abdomen, armpits, or neck
- Enlargement of liver or spleen
- Fever without any other related disease
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Cold chills and sweats
- Widespread fatigue and feeling tired
However, you should know that there are people who do not experience any symptoms especially, those who have follicular lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, or lymphoma from the marginal area. However, it is essential to go to a doctor in case of experience any anomalies in your health and body.