What is Lymph Node Cancer?
Lymph node cancer or what is known as Lymphoma is cancer that attacks white blood cells (lymphocytes). White blood cells have a job as the body's immune system, namely fighting infections that occur in the body. If there is cancer in the white blood cells it will affect the body's immune system.
Lymphoma is divided into 2 types, namely Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer characterized by the appearance of lumps in the neck, armpits and groin areas. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer characterized by pain in the chest, bones and stomach. For more details about the differences between Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, let's discuss it based on several factors:
- Biopsy Examination
On examination of lymph node samples, Hodgkin's lymphoma will show the presence of Reed Sternberg . Meanwhile, this was not found in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Age
Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs in the age group 20-30 years and the age group over 55 years. Meanwhile, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs in the elderly or in the age group over 60 years.
- Cause of Occurrence
Hodgkin's lymphoma is caused by cancer cells that develop in the white blood cell system so that the cells grow uncontrollably. Meanwhile, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs when the body has too many lymphocytes. Excessive lymphocytes will accumulate in the lymph nodes and form tumors.
- Disease Progression
Hodgkin's lymphoma has a higher cure rate compared to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The prognosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma is influenced by several factors such as the stage of the disease, the patient's age, type of disease, and others. The disease-free time for Hodgkin's lymphoma after 5 years of therapy is approximately 85% in stages 1 and 2, 70% in stages 3A, and 50% in stages 3B and 4.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs more often in the elderly, at that age they have a more vulnerable immune system. The life expectancy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is lower than for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Lymph Node Cancer Symptoms
Common symptoms of lymph cancer that we need to know include:
- Lumps appear in the neck, armpits and thigh folds
- Experience weight loss
- Sweat comes out at night
- Recurrent fever
- Feel tired quickly
- Hard to breathe
- Frequent infections
- Itchy skin
How to Prevent Lymph Node Cancer
The simplest way to prevent lymph nodes or lymphoma is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Healthy living that can be done includes maintaining body hygiene, keeping your teeth and mouth clean, eating nutritious food, avoiding radiation exposure, maintaining an ideal body weight, having regular health checks, exercising, protecting yourself from infectious diseases which increase the risk of lymph cancer such as HIV/AIDS.
If you experience the symptoms mentioned above, immediately go to the doctor. EMC Alam Sutera Hospital provides the best health services with timely treatment that is safe and comfortable so that it can provide maximum treatment for your recovery.
Article written by Dr. Dr. Denni Joko Purwanto, Sp.B, Subsp. Onk. (K). MM (Consultant Surgical Oncology at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).