Treatment for Lymphoma Cancer

Treatment for Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma is a type of cancer found in the immune system’s lymphatic cells. This type of cancer is present as solid lymphoid cells. It can be caused due to helicobacter pylori bacteria, epstein-barr virus and exposure to benzene and other hazardous solvents. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, recurring fevers, chest pain, night sweats, lower back pain, rashes and weight loss. It is diagnosed through CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan, X-rays, lymphangiogram, biopsy and blood tests. The type of treatment given lymphoma cancer depends on the type of lymphoma cancer the patient is suffering from. Hence, before discussing the methods of treatment for cancer of this type, let us first understand the types of lymphoma cancer.

There are two main types of lymphoma cancer in human beings. These are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is caused due to the Reed-Sternberg cells, while Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is caused due to B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes (types of white blood cells). All these cells are present in the immune system of the body. They fight against the cancerous cells, but in the end become infectious. These two types of lymphoma cancer can be treated using stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Radiation Therapy for Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy is commonly given for the treatment for both types of lymphoma cancer. It is given when the cancerous cells have found in clusters in the human body. This method is generally avoided if the cancer spreads in the other parts of the body. In some cases, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer, radiation therapy is generally given in combination with chemotherapy.

Stem Cell Transplantation for Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

This method of treatment for lymphoma cancer is used when the patient’s body does not respond to any other treatment methods. It is given for both Hodgkin’s as well as Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. In case of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer it is given when the cancer is found to have recurred in the patient’s body.

Chemotherapy for Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy is not the common form of treatment for lymphoma cancer. However, it can be given in combination with radiation therapy for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. In this method, combination of different drugs is given to kill the cancerous cells. These drugs can be administered either through intravenous injections or through pills.

Chemotherapy is not the common form of treatment for lymphoma cancer. However, it can be given in combination with radiation therapy for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. In this method, combination of different drugs is given to kill the cancerous cells. These drugs can be administered either through intravenous injections or through pills. In most of the cases, R CHOP chemotherapy regimen is given to the patients suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, while R ESHAP chemotherapy regimen is given to the patients suffering from Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is advised to discuss about the regimen with your doctor to avoid further complications.

Immunotherapy for Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

This method is mostly used for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. It is administered through drugs, often called monoclonal antibodies that target the cells found on the surface of the lymphoma cells. These monoclonal antibodies react with the healthy cells of the immune system to boost up their energy to fight with the cancerous cells present inside the body. Some of these drugs commonly given by the oncologists are Bexxar and Zevalin.

Sometimes, patients suffering from Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma are also told to undergo MINE Chemotherapy. This type of chemotherapy is given only when the Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma is observed to be relapsed in the patient. Treatment for lymphoma cancer is effective, though aggressive in the advanced stages. If proper care is taken by the patient, he/she can enjoy a prolonged life after the prescribed lymphoma cancer treatment is completely over.

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