What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a form of cancer. This means that cells are not responding normally to messages from the rest of the body by dividing unnecessarily and then causing there to be too many. You cannot catch lymphoma and nor can you give it to anyone else – at the moment, it is impossible to say what actually causes it.

What is Lymph?

Lymph is a clear fluid that contains white blood cells, called lymphocytes, which the body uses to fight infection. Lymphocytes are mainly found in the lymph nodes but circulate around the body in both the blood stream and the lymphatics.

About Lymphoma – The Lymphatic System Lymph passes all round the body travelling in very narrow tubes called lymphatics. The lymphatic system does not have its own pump but depends on pressure from the blood system, and the massaging effect of muscles. Around the body lymphoid cells gather in nodes or glands. For example, in the past you may have noticed lumps in your neck when you have been ill. These are enlarged lymph nodes that have been doing overtime battling against infection. There are groups of lymph nodes in different parts of the body. You can see from the diagram on the right where these groups are and the lymphatics connecting them. Wherever there is lymphoid tissue, it is possible to develop lymphoma.

Tests for Lymphoma

Biopsy

A biopsy is a small operation to remove a gland or a piece of a lump. This is then analysed under a microscope to discover exactly which cells are involved. You may have already had a biopsy of a lymph node as this is the main way of confirming suspected lymphoma. Dependent upon the results of the biopsy, the most suitable treatment for you is chosen. Some waiting for results is inevitable as it is quite a complicated laboratory procedure and, while no-one finds the waiting easy, it is very important to establish what type of lymphoma you have so that the correct treatment can be provided.

Scans for Lymphoma

Scans are necessary as a lot of the lymph glands are situated deep within the body and are not discernible externally. A scan will also identify if other parts of the body are affected.

There are differing types of scans as follows:

A CT (Computerised Tomography) scan uses a computer to analyse x-ray pictures of your body taken from lots of different angles building up a 3-D view.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan builds up a similar 3-D picture by measuring the change in magnetic waves as they pass through your body.

An Ultrasound scan uses high-energy sound waves, which ‘bounce off’ any lumps in your body.

Again, it is likely some waiting for the results will be involved. Scans do not involve any pain but do last for up to one hour involving lying very still during that time. You may also be asked to drink some liquid and, while it is not too distasteful, it might not be your favourite choice in a pub! It is possible to ask to visit beforehand so that you know what to expect.

Bone Marrow Test

This may be needed to establish whether there are lymphoma cells in the bone marrow. This involves a small sample of bone marrow being taken usually from the pelvis and a local anaesthetic is used. You may also be offered a sedative and experience some discomfort for a while after.

Blood Tests as part of Lymphoma Treatment

A lot of blood tests are likely to be required often taken from a vein in the arm. If you have a central or Hickman line, blood may be taken from there. (For further information on central lines see the explanation in the chemotherapy section.) Blood cells are created in the bone marrow and these divide rapidly to produce new blood cells. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are designed to attack dividing cells while the chemotherapy kills bloods cells in the bone marrow as well as lymphoma cells. Regular blood tests are therefore needed to ensure you still have enough cells of each type. The main types of blood cell are described in the table below:

Lumbar Puncture

Sometimes lymphoma can get into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain; this fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A local anaesthetic is used prior to collecting the fluid in the space between two of the bones in the lower part of the spine using a needle and syringe. It is recommended that you lie flat for a few hours afterwards and drink plenty of water to avoid experiencing a headache after this procedure.

Lymphoma Diagnosis

After all the test results have been looked at you will know what type of lymphoma you have, and where it is in your body. There are two main types: Hodgkin’s disease (HD) and non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and many young people are completely cured.

Please be aware that a lot of books are very out of date and statistics can be very general. The best people for you to talk to about your lymphoma are the people treating and looking after you.

Here you can find information on the difference between Hodgkin’s disease and non Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Here you can get back to the main site for Lymphoma Information for Young People.