World Lymphoma Day was observed on September 15, drawing attention to a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a key part of the immune system responsible for defending the body against infections and disease.
The disease begins when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, undergo genetic alterations that cause them to multiply without control, according to Dr. Tamayra Cumba, a clinical hematologist at IntraCare Center.
Two main types of lymphoma
Cumba said there are two broad categories of the disease: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Both originate in lymphocytes, she explained, but they differ in the type of cells involved, how they progress, and how they respond to treatment.
Hodgkin lymphoma is marked by the presence of what are known as Reed-Sternberg cells and tends to follow a more predictable course, with high survival rates when it is caught early, Cumba said.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, by contrast, covers a wide range of subtypes with varied presentations. It can progress aggressively or slowly, and it can affect not only the lymph nodes but also organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs and bone marrow, according to Cumba.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
Early diagnosis is difficult because the symptoms of lymphoma tend to be nonspecific, Cumba said. She pointed to a set of warning signs that should not go unnoticed:
- Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
- Persistent fever
- Excessive night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Prolonged fatigue
- Itchy skin
How lymphoma is diagnosed
A lymphoma diagnosis is confirmed through a biopsy of the affected tissue, generally taken from a lymph node, Cumba said. The sample is analyzed in a laboratory and supplemented with blood tests and imaging studies, including CT scans, MRIs and, in particular, a PET scan using fluorodeoxyglucose, or FDG, a highly precise tool that can detect abnormal metabolic activity at early stages.
From the biopsy, pathologists apply techniques such as immunohistochemistry, which uses antibodies to mark specific proteins in the tissue. Cumba said this method is essential for identifying the exact type of lymphoma and is key to choosing the most appropriate treatment.
Targeted therapies now represent a significant advance in treatment, she added, because they attack only malignant cells, which reduces side effects and increases the effectiveness of treatment.
Prevention and everyday care
There is no guaranteed way to prevent lymphoma, but certain risk factors have been identified, including some viral infections, immunodeficiencies and exposure to chemical substances, according to Cumba. While lifestyle is not a direct cause of the disease, she said maintaining healthy habits strengthens the immune system and supports prevention more broadly.
Specialists recommend regular medical checkups, good hygiene, adequate rest and stress management. Avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains, and getting regular physical activity are among the practices that help improve quality of life and lower risk, Cumba said.
