1. Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)

• Marked by the presence of Reed–Sternberg cells
• More common in young adults
• Often starts in the upper body (neck, chest, armpits)
• High cure rates with timely treatment

2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

• Includes a wide variety of lymphoid cancers
• Can occur at any age, more common in older adults
• May involve lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, or other organs
• Some forms are slow-growing, others very aggressive

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of lymphoma is not always clear, but several factors can increase risk:

• Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS, post-transplant)
• Family history of lymphoma
• Exposure to certain infections (e.g., Epstein–Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori)
• Age (HL common in young adults; NHL more common after 60)
• Exposure to chemicals, pesticides, or radiation

Symptoms of Lymphoma

Common warning signs include:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpits, or groin)
• Persistent fatigue
• Fever and night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin or persistent rash
• Loss of appetite

If these symptoms persist, medical consultation is essential for early detection and treatment.

Diagnosis and Tests

Lymphoma is usually diagnosed through:

• Physical examination and medical history
• Blood tests
• Lymph node biopsy – the gold standard for diagnosis
• Imaging tests (CT, PET, MRI) – to check spread
• Bone marrow biopsy – to detect bone marrow involvement

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Common approaches include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy (e.g., monoclonal antibodies like Rituximab)
• Immunotherapy (CAR-T cell therapy, checkpoint inhibitors)
• Stem cell (bone marrow) transplant in advanced/refractory cases

Many patients achieve long-term remission, especially with advances in targeted and immune-based therapies.

Living with Lymphoma

Managing lymphoma involves not just treatment but also lifestyle and emotional support:

• Counseling and psychological support
• Healthy nutrition and exercise guidance
• Patient support groups
• Financial and rehabilitation assistance

Get Involved

You can contribute to the fight against lymphoma by:

• Supporting awareness campaigns
• Becoming a blood or stem cell donor
• Contributing to research and treatment funding
• Volunteering for patient care initiatives

Need Support?

• If you or someone you know is affected by lymphoma, we're here to help. Contact us at [85 85 85 88 28].