Lymphomas are cancers that attack the lymphatic system and generally manifest themselves through swollen lymph nodes.
OR World Lymphoma Awareness Day (15/09) aims to raise awareness among the population on the characteristics and ways to prevent the disease, which affects more than 735 thousand people every year around the world, indicates the Ministry of Health.
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Lymphoma is the name for a group of cancers that attack the system responsible for fighting infections, the lymphatic system. In turn, it is made up of organs, vessels, lymphatic tissues and lymph nodes, distributed in strategic positions in the body to aid defense against infections. This system produces and transports white blood cells, cells that fight infections and participate in the immune system.
Different types of lymphoma
There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). HL is characterized by the presence of large, easily identifiable cells in the affected lymph node, known as Reed-Sternberg cells. It is an acquired disease, not hereditary. It comprises approximately 20% of cases of the disease and can occur at any age, however it is more common among young people between 25 and 30 years old.
NHL does not have a characteristic cell type. It is a complex group of different disease types. After diagnosis, it is classified based on the type of lymphoma and the stage it is in. It can appear in different parts of the body and accounts for 80% of lymphoma cases. It can occur at any age and is more common in people over the age of 60.
Aging increases the risk of lymphomas
The incidence of the disease tends to increase with age. Therefore, early diagnosis and awareness are essential for healthy aging. Furthermore, with the aging of the world’s population, it is very important to address the relationship between lymphomas and the age group over 60 years. This is because, according to the Brazilian Association of Lymphoma and Leukemia (Abrale), in the last 25 years the number of new cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has doubled, especially in people over the age of 60.
“It is estimated that, by 2050, Brazil’s elderly population will grow from the current 31 million people to 60 million, which will represent almost 30% of the Brazilian population and we must guarantee them an excellent quality of life, this includes lymphoma awareness , as an early diagnosis can lead to effective treatment and increased life expectancy,” says Dr. Morgani Rodrigues, hematologist and co-founder of the Longidade channel.
Symptoms and prevention
Morgani emphasizes the importance of being aware of the signs and possible symptoms so that the diagnosis can be made as soon as possible. Some of them are:
- Swelling of the lymph nodes, especially in the groin, neck and armpits;
- Unexplained tiredness;
- Unintentional weight loss;
- Persistent fever;
- Itchy skin;
- Shortness of breath.
The specialist also emphasizes that regular doctor visits and routine examinations are essential to identify health problems in general, including lymphomas in the early stages. The most common treatment is chemotherapy, which can be integrated, in some cases, with radiotherapy.
“Adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, with greater consumption of natural foods instead of ultra-processed ones, regular physical activity and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing lymphomas and other age-related diseases”, highlights the doctor.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
