Lymphatic Cancer ( Lymphoma )
Lymphatic cancer ( Lymphoma ) is a cancer in the lymphatic cells of the immune system. Typically, lymphomas present as a solid tumor of lymphoid cells.
Thomas Hodgkin published the first description of Lymphatic cancer (lymphoma) in 1832, specifically of the form named after him, Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It introduced the category non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), divided into 16 different diseases. The latest classification by the WHO (2008) lists 70 different forms of lymphoma divided in four broad groups.
Although older classifications referred to histiocytic lymphomas, Lymphatic cancer are recognized in newer classifications as of B, T or NK cell lineage.
A number of various different classification systems exist for lymphoma. Some forms of Lymphatic cancer are categorized as indolent (e.g. small lymphocytic lymphoma), compatible with a long life even without treatment, whereas other forms are aggressive (e.g. Burkitt’s lymphoma), causing rapid deterioration and death.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or Lymphatic cancer (formerly Hodgkin’s disease)
Named after the Doctor, Thomas Hodgkin, who first identified the disease in 1832, Hodgkin’s lymphoma ( Lymphatic cancer )is one of the most common cancers among younger people, although still relatively rare. It affects young adults aged between 15 and 35, and adults over the age of 55. More men than women are affected. The disease, although aggressive, can be successfully treated in about 80 per cent of cases.
It is defined by the presence of a large, abnormal B-lymphocyte cell. (This is called a Reed-Sternberg cell.) B-lymphocytes are produced in the body in response to invasion by a foreign body. This could typically be a virus or bacterium, but could include a toxin or a chemical.
Organs that have lymphoid tissue
Because lymphoid tissue is in many parts of the body, lymphatic cancer can start almost anywhere. The major sites of lymphoid tissue are:
Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are bean-sized organs throughout the body that are connected by a system of lymphatic vessels. These vessels are like veins, except that instead of carrying blood, they carry lymph and immune system cells.
Lymph nodes get bigger when they fight infection. Lymph nodes that grow in reaction to infection are called reactive nodes or hyperplastic nodes and are often tender to the touch. An enlarged lymph node is not always a sign of a serious problem. People with sore throats or colds often feel enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. But a large lymph node is also the most common sign of lymphoma. Lymph node enlargement is discussed more in the section, ”
How is non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed?“
Spleen: The spleen is an organ under the lower part of the rib cage on the left side of the body. An average adult spleen weighs about 5 ounces. The spleen makes lymphocytes and other immune system cells to help fight infection. It also stores healthy blood cells and filters out damaged blood cells, bacteria, and cell waste.
Thymus gland: The thymus lies behind the upper part of the breastbone and in front of the heart. Before birth, the thymus plays a vital role in development of T lymphocytes. The thymus shrinks and becomes less important over the first 20 years of life. Despite this, it continues to play a role in immune system function.
Adenoids and tonsils: These are collections of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat. They help make antibodies against germs that are breathed in or swallowed. They are easy to see when they become enlarged during an infection or if they become cancerous.
Digestive tract: The stomach and intestines as well as many other organs also have lymphoid tissue.
Bone marrow: The bone marrow (the soft inner part of certain bones) makes red blood cells, blood platelets, and white blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Platelets plug up small holes in blood vessels caused by cuts or scrapes. White blood cells’ main job is fighting infections. The 2 main types of white blood cells are granulocytes and lymphocytes. Bone marrow lymphocytes are primarily B cells. Lymphatic cancer sometimes start from bone marrow lymphocytes.
There are 5 different types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma or Lymphatic cancer. These 5 types are based on the way they look under a microscope.
- Nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Mixed cellularity Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Lymphocyte depletion Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Lymphocyte-rich classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
We are entering a new era of understanding the lymphatic system based on important insights from experimental investigations and clinical trials. To achieve a cure, cancer therapies (whether by surgery, radiotherapy or systemic means) must be directed against the routes of cancer spread. The management of the regional lymphatic/lymph nodes, often the first site of involvement, is frequently a key decision in defining modern treatment programmes. Important new insights now challenge the basis of traditional cancer therapy recommendations. This volume brings together foremost authorities to outline the latest results in the management of the lymphatic system in cancer.
Clinical Lymphatic Mapping of Gynecologic Cancer
The first comprehensive text of lymphatic mapping in gynecological cancers, Clinical Lymphatic Mapping of Gynecologic Cancer, provides a historical perspective, an understanding of the associated modalities of pathology and diagnostic imaging, a disease site-specific review of the literature, and step-by-step descriptions of how to identify sentinel nodes. The text is fully illustrated, allowing readers to grasp the techniques as well as the analysis of the results. The editors address the entire breadth of the topic, making this an ideal reference source for newly qualified professionals and students in gynecological oncology
Lymphatic Cleansing (Helping Hands, 2)
Whether your body is battling cancer, or any number of diseases or disorders, manual stimulation of the lymph system will help you maintain a greater degree of health. The lymphatic system, designed to cleanse and detoxify body cells, is perhaps your greatest ally during the treatment phase surrounding cancer. However, when lymphatic tissue or lymph nodes have been damaged, destroyed or removed, normal lymph drainage is compromised. Through this nurturing Lymphatic Cleasing meditation, enhanced with soothing melodies and calming rhythms, you will learn to reactivate sluggish lymph glands, as your body creates new pathways for channeling and purifying the body’s waste products.