Lymphoma is a tumor of the body’s lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and consists of lymphatic organs, including the spleen, bone marrow, tonsils, and thymus. These organs are filled with lymph, which carries nutrients and white blood cells (lymphocytes) throughout the body.
Risk factors are conditions that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. However, having one risk factor does not necessarily mean that the disease will develop. Currently, the exact cause of all lymphomas cannot be determined, but several conditions have been linked, including:
Stage 1: There is a lesion in only one lymph node or extralymph node.
Stage 2: There are two or more lymph node or extralymph node lesions, all located on the same side of the diaphragm.
Stage 3: There are lymph node or extralymph node lesions on opposite sides of the diaphragm, and/or there is also a lesion in the spleen.
Stage 4: The lesion has spread beyond the initial site. Common sites of spread include the liver, bone marrow, or lungs.
In addition to assessing the stage of the disease, the treating physician will use other patient information to calculate a prognostic index. This can be used to stratify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups.
Diagnosis of lymphoma begins with a medical history and physical examination. Further investigations are then considered, including:
1. Biopsy
2. Bone marrow biopsy
3. Computed tomography (PET) scan or CT scan
4. Blood tests to evaluate various blood tests
The results of all these tests are used to assess the stage of the disease and guide prognosis and treatment.
Watch & Wait: Watch and wait is often used in indolent lymphomas or in cases where the patient has only mild symptoms. Periodic blood tests or radiological examinations are performed during the monitoring period.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells by interfering with cell division. The choice of chemotherapy depends on the type of lymphoma. Typically, lymphoma treatment involves a combination of chemotherapy drugs or monoclonal antibodies.
Monoclonal antibody therapy: Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic substances that bind to proteins on the surface of cancer cells, stimulating the body’s immune system to destroy them.
Radiation therapy: High-dose radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells.
Stem cell transplantation: There are two types: 5.1 Stem cell transplantation. Allogeneic transplantation using donor cells. 5.2 Autologous stem cell transplantation using the patient’s own cells.
1. Eating
Choose clean, freshly cooked food.
Avoid eating food that has been stored for a long time without reheating, or dried food that is not certain to be freshly prepared, such as store-bought snacks.
Choose fruits with thick skins, such as oranges and bananas, and wash them thoroughly before eating.
Avoid eating fruits with thin skins, such as guava and grapes, or fruits that cannot be cleaned, such as pineapple.
Wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.
2. Exercise
Exercise as much as you can tolerate. Do not overdo it. You may not be able to perform as well as you used to, but your body will recover after treatment. For patients who are inexperienced with exercise, avoid confining yourself to your bedroom. Get up and walk around occasionally to allow your lungs to fully expand.
3. Body Cleaning
You should shower at least twice a day.
Use unscented lotion to prevent dry skin.
Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day.
You should cleanse your anus area after every bowel movement and gently pat dry with toilet paper.
4. Maintain a positive attitude. Follow your doctor’s advice carefully and visit your doctor regularly.
5. Get enough sleep to boost your immune system.
