Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Brief
Description
This refers to
any group of cancers of lymphoid tissue that multiply unchecked. These are
found mainly in the lymph nodes and spleen. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas vary in
their malignancy according to the activity of the abnormal cells. Primitive
cells, or those that are poorly specialized, are most malignant. They tend to
take over the lymph nodes rapidly.
Symptoms
There is
usually painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or groin. The liver
and spleen may enlarge. The lymphoid tissue in the abdomen may be affected, and
in rare cases, cause pain and abdominal bleeding from the intestines. If other
organs are involved, symptoms may range from headache to skin ulceration.
Unless it is controlled, the disease progressively impairs the immune system,
leading to death from infections.
