A cancer of the immune system that develops from abnormal lymphocytes. This causes painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, chest pain, abdominal pain, tiredness, night sweats, weight loss and fever.

Symptoms & Reports

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin which are painless
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Skin itching
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained Weight Loss

Causes

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma develops when the lymphocytes, either B -cells or T -cells, undergo a genetic change and start multiplying rapidly.
• Weakened immune system
• Viral infections such as HIV and Epstein-Barr virus
• Chemicals such as insecticides
• Aging
• Exposure to radiation

Prevention

• Eat a healthy, nutritious diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid risk factors such as viral infections by taking precautionary measures

Screening Options available at JNCHRC

• Physical examination: It is done to check for enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, and liver.
• Complete blood count (CBC): Done to determine the number and the nature of blood cells.
• Urine test: Done to rule out infections.
• X-ray: Examination of the organs is done by taking images using X-rays to check for lymphoma in different parts of the body.
• CT scan: To get detailed images of the body to check for the lymphoma.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic field is used to get detailed images of the lymphatic system.
• Positron emission tomography (PET): A radioactive drug is used to reveal the functioning of tissues and organs.
• Lymph node biopsy: It involves removal of a part or an entire lymph node for microscopic examination to confirm non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and types of cells involved.
• Bone marrow biopsy: It involves removal of a small sample of bone marrow from the hipbone to check for lymphoma.