Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic
system - the body's blood-filtering tissues that help to fight
infection and disease.
Like other
cancers
they occur when cells divide too much and too
fast. Growth control is lost, and the lymphatic cells may overcrowd, invade, and
destroy lymphoid tissues and metastasize (spread) to other organs.
There are two general types of lymphomas: "Hodgkin's
Disease" (named after Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, who first recognized it in 1832) and
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The lymphatic tissue in Hodgkin's disease contains
specific cells - Reed-Sternberg cells - that are not found in any other
cancerous lymphomas or cancers. These cells distinguish Hodgkin's disease (HD)
from non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs).
Non-Hodgkin's tumors occur more frequently than Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Diet and lymphoma, does food
play a role?
Eating plenty of leafy greens, spinach, kale, broccoli and Brussels
sprouts and other vegetables may help reduce the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
A higher intake of
flavonoids, dietary components with several anti cancer activities, may be
associated with lower non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk.
Supplements and herbs that could potentially be helpful
Fucoxanthin and its
deacetylated product, fucoxanthinol.
Indole-3-carbinol
is found in certain vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels
sprouts.
Vitamin D levels have
been found to be lower in NHL and to be protective in HL.
Vitamin D insufficiency and prognosis in non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma.
J Clin Oncology. 2010.
Vitamin D insufficiency is common in the United States, with low levels linked
to higher cancer incidence, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Recent data
also suggest that vitamin D insufficiency is related to inferior prognosis in
some cancers, although there are no data for NHL. Our results show circulating
25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency was associated with inferior event-free
survival and overall survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and T-cell
lymphoma. Whether normalizing vitamin D levels in these patients improves
outcomes will require testing in future trials.
Season of diagnosis is a prognostic factor in Hodgkin's
lymphoma: a possible role of sun-induced vitamin D.
Br J Cancer. 2005.
Institute for Cancer Research, Montebello, Oslo, Norway.
Vitamin D level exhibits seasonal variations. In the present work, we have
investigated the effect of the season of diagnosis on the risk of death among
Hodgkin's lymphoma patients diagnosed in Norway between 1964 and 2000.
Epidemiological data for this period indicate that season of diagnosis is a
strong prognostic factor for Hodgkin's lymphoma, with approximately 20% lower
case fatality for patients diagnosed during autumn vs winter diagnosis. Notably,
the improved autumnal survival rate was higher than 60% for patients younger
than 30 years. This finding may be related to higher endogenous levels of
vitamin D in autumn, with a favourable influence on the conventional therapy.
Posted on the Facebook page in 2012: My wife has been taking graviola for 3 months. She has follicular lymphoma. Her blood tests are now normal. Thanks to your web site.
Lymphoma symptom and sign
Symptoms of Lymphoma can vary widely depending on the type of lymphoma, and
where the lymphoma is growing. A lymphoma symptom related to bone marrow
dysfunction, such as anemia (low red blood cell count), may cause fatigue.
Lymphoma in the gastrointestinal system may present as an upset stomach; or a
change in bowel movement. Appetite loss could be a lymphoma symptom.
Unfortunately, some of the symptoms of lymphoma are not common to this condition
and make it difficult to initially diagnose. For instance, someone could have
aches, fever, and chills and think they have the flu, but this could be a
lymphoma symptom. The location of pain depends where the nodes are growing.
Those who have a low white blood cell count could come down with an infection.
Non Hodgkin's lymphoma cause
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are
cancers of lymphoid tissue (lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune
system). NHL is a collective term for several
different types of immune-system malignancies. According to the National Cancer
Institute, there are more than 70,000 new cases of NHL in the US each year, and
more than 20.000
deaths from the disease. NHL incidence has risen by about 3% to 4% annually
since the early 1970s.For most patients, the cause is unknown, but lymphomas may
develop in people with suppressed
immune systems as a result of organ
transplantation, for instance, lymphomas can be slow-growing (low-grade) or
rapidly growing (high-grade) cancer. The tumors are graded according to their
level of malignancy (aggressiveness)-- low-grade, intermediate-grade or
high-grade. Some people misspell the term as 'non Hodgkin lymphoma'
or Nonhodgkins lymphoma.
People with immune deficiencies, such as
HIV /
AIDS, are at
heightened risk of developing the cancer. But whether other forms of "immune dysregulation"
are related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk is unknown
Infection with
hepatitis C
virus nearly doubles the risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer
involving the lymph nodes.
Specific viruses do contribute to certain non-Hodgkin lymphoma
subtypes seen largely in Africa and Japan.
Heavy smoking doubles the risk of developing
non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive individuals who are heavy
smokers have an approximately 4-fold elevated risk of developing non-Hodgkin
lymphoma. About 5 percent to 10 percent of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases could be
prevented by persuading people to quit smoking and by integrated policies and
health programs aimed at reducing HCV infection. People infected with hepatitis B virus are more likely to develop
non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The risk of lymphoma is higher in people with
inflammatory polyarthritis relative to that seen in the general population.
Inflammatory polyarthritis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or
more joints. The incidence is higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and
those who take disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The highest risk is seen
in patients treated with methotrexate.
NHL seems to occur more frequently
among people with diabetes than those without, possibly due to immune function
changes in those with diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2008.
There is an increased risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among
farmers, printers, leather workers, medical professionals, and some electronic
workers.
Acetaminophen use can increase the risk.
Solvents and benzene
Women exposed to organic solvents on the job face an increased risk of
developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. An organic solvent is any solvent containing
carbon, and many, for example benzene and carbon tetrachloride, are known
carcinogens. Chlorinated solvents are organic solvents containing chlorine which
are also known to be hazardous to human health and the environment. American
Journal of Epidemiology, January 15, 2009.
People who live near gas refineries and manufacturing plants that
release the chemical benzene into the environment are at increased risk for this
blood cancer non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer, news release, July 29, 2013.
Sun exposure - good for
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or harmful?
There has been conflicting reports regarding the benefit of sun exposure and
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is not clear which of the following is more accurate.
Ultraviolet radiation exposure from time spent in the sun appears
to boost the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It's been suggested that increasing
exposure to ultraviolet radiation may be responsible, at least in part, for the
observed increase in the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Recreational sun exposure could help reduce the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) possibly due to formation of vitamin D.
Non Hodgkins
lymphoma symptom
Symptoms of non Hodgkin's lymphoma include enlarged lymph nodes (such as
an armpit lump), isolated or widespread, fever, excessive sweating, and night
sweats. Another symptom of non Hodkgin's lymphoma is unintentional weight loss.
Epstein-Barr virus as
potential cause
Patients who have abnormal reactive blood patterns when exposed to Epstein-Barr
virus appear to have an increased risk of lymphoma. Dr. Silvia de Sanjose of the
Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona and colleagues found that although
Epstein-Barr virus is often thought to be benign, infection with this virus may
lead to processes that can disturb the regulation of the immune system and
increase the risk of cell transformation to malignancies.
Hodgkin's lymphoma
This
malignancy (cancer) of lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and
bone marrow. Symptoms of include painless swelling of the
lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin (swollen glands),
fatigue, fever and
chills, night sweats, weight loss, and generalized itching.
People who undergo chest radiation therapy early in life to treat
Hodgkin's lymphoma appear to be at increased risk of
cardiovascular abnormalities.
This disease is more likely to be diagnosed during
certain months-- suggesting that, in some groups, the cancer follows a seasonal
pattern. Researchers found that, in Sweden during the second half of the 20th
century, men under 50 were more likely to be diagnosed with the cancer in
February, while women under 50 were diagnosed less often in August and December,
and boys less than 15 years old were more often diagnosed in March. These
findings support the theory that the cancer is caused by a virus or bacteria, or
other infectious agent.
Leukemia and Lymphoma -
Survival after treatment.
Hodgkin's disease survivors face a more than six-fold increased risk of
developing acute myeloid
leukemia (AML), which is highest in the 10 years after
Hodgkin's diagnosis. Hodgkin's disease is a cancer of the body's lymphatic
system that typically affects people between 15 and 40 years of age and those
over 55 years of age. Due to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this
cancer, survival rates are high. Acute myeloid leukemia, by contrast, is a
cancer of white blood cells that usually affects people in their mid-60s and
carries a worse prognosis than Hodgkin's disease.
Cancer
Certain radiation and chemotherapy treatments may increase survivors' risk of
developing stomach cancer. U.S. National Cancer Institute, news release, Aug.
26, 2013.
Heart disease risk
Survivors of Hodgkin's disease are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The
risk is particularly high for patients treated for before the
age of 40 years and with a family history of heart disease.
Psychological aspects of
lymphoma treatment survival
Almost half of survivors of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma report some degree of
emotional distress in the years after diagnosis. While most lymphoma survivors
don't experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many
patients appear to be psychologically affected by the cancer and the treatment.
Journal of Clinical Oncology, February 20, 2008.
B cell lymphoma
Ninety percent of lymphomas are B-cell. Thus, T-cell lymphoma is rare.
All lymphomas arise from normal lymphocytes in the body. There are two types of
lymphocytes: B-cell: derived from bone marrow cells and T-cell: derived from
thymus, a special gland in the central part of the chest. B-cell lymphocytes
make antibodies. T-cell lymphocytes regulate the B-cell lymphocytes.
T cell lymphoma -- Cutaneous T cell lymphoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a term coined in 1979 to describe a
group of lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by localization of
neoplastic T lymphocytes to the skin at presentation. The skin is the second
most common extranodal site for lymphoma; gastrointestinal sites are first. Of
all primary cutaneous lymphomas, 65% are of the T-cell type.
Overeating
People who overeat or who aren't physically active face a higher risk of
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), according to a report by Canadian researchers in
the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Lymphoma and Antibiotic Use
Using antibiotics more than 10 times during adulthood is associated with
an increased likelihood of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), a cancer
that affects the body's lymphatic system. It is possible, however, that heavy
antibiotic use is a marker of increased susceptibility to infection, and it is
probably this rather than antibiotics themselves that gives rise to the
increased lymphoma risk.
Burkitt's lymphoma
This is an example
of a high-grade lymphoma, a solid tumor of B lymphocytes, the lymphocytes that the immune
system uses to make antibodies.
Future Oncol. 2018.
Evaluation of curcumin, a natural product in turmeric, on Burkitt lymphoma and
acute myeloid leukemia cancer stem cell markers. Results indicate that curcumin
decreased cancer stem cells markers in lymphoma/leukemia cells, potentially
through inhibiting self-renewal.
Viruses
The Epstein-Barr
virus is associated with
Burkitt's lymphoma, lymphomas in immunosuppressed people, and Hodgkin lymphoma.
The discovery of human herpes virus type 8 has led to the identification of a
rare and unusual group of virus-associated lymphoproliferative diseases.
Individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus are at greatly
increased risk of developing lymphoma but here the mechanism of lymphoma genesis
is indirect. Recent data suggest that hepatitis C virus infection is also
associated with an increased incidence of lymphoma.
Quality of life after lymphoma
treatment
People who survive lymphoma may continue to have both physical and
practical problems for years afterward,. In a survey of Dutch adults who'd been
diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma 5 to 15 years earlier, researchers found
that they reported poorer-than-average physical health and energy. Many also
said they'd had problems returning to work or obtaining health insurance, life
insurance and home mortgages.
Research
Australian researchers found that people who were either elder siblings
or only children had relatively lower risks of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A similar protective effect was seen among people with a history of hay
fever or food allergies.
The researchers speculate that early immune system development may be behind all
of these associations. In brief, early infection -- more likely with multiple
kids in a family -- may set the immune system in such a way that allergies don't
develop; but on the other hand this setting may increase the chances of
developing lymphoma.
The study, of nearly 1,400 adults with and without non-Hodgkin lymphoma,
found that those who were a first-born or only child were half as likely to
develop the cancer as people who were fourth in their line of siblings.
In all, the researchers report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute,
there was a linear increase in NHL risk, such that second-born children had a
lower risk than those who were third-born, who were, in turn, less likely than
later-born siblings to develop the disease.
Similarly, men and women who had had hay fever at any age were one-third less
likely than those without such nasal allergies to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma, while people with
a history of food allergies were 70 percent less likely than the
food-allergy-free to be diagnosed with the disease.
A number of studies have found evidence that limited exposure to infection early
in life may make a child more likely to develop allergies. The theory is that
this lack of germ exposure delays the normal "switch" that the immune system
goes through after birth to become an infection-fighting machine. If the immune
system is not given an early push in an infection-fighting direction, it may
tend to remain hypersensitive to substances that most people tolerate -- which
is what gives rise to allergies.
Being an only child, or having otherwise limited exposure to other young
children, is one factor that can keep a person sheltered from germs early in
life. So it's possible that elder siblings and only
children, as well as people with a history of certain allergies, are partially
protected from non-Hodgkin lymphoma by virtue of their immune responses. The
type of immune response associated with allergies is known as a Th2-dominant
response, as opposed to the Th1-dominant response that targets foreign invaders
like viruses. If the Th2-dominant response is indeed what lowers non-Hodgkin
lymphoma risk.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, April 20, 2005.
Lymphoma natural treatment questions
Q. Does using hair dye increase lymphoma risk?
A. Using hair dye may slightly increase the risk, particularly among women who started using hair coloring products
before 1980.
Q. My girlfriend got lymphoma that started extranodal
and which is in the bone and bone marrow, sshe had 1 chemo. treatment, but seems
that regimen is not working cuz after 1 month already her cells are not moving
up the level they should be. So you have any natural therapy that can be helpful
in her case, which is lymphoma starting in bone?
A. We haven't come across human research on herbs that have been
tested in the treatment of lymphoma.
Q. I am trying to search the internet to find out if
the malaria my husband picked up while in Japan could be related to his
non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I read on the web site the paragraph titled 'Non
Hodgkin's lymphoma cause' that certain viruses contribute to certain lymphoma
subtypes in Africa and Japan. do you have any further info about the viruses in
Japan that would cause the lymphoma and if it were possible to tell whether or
not my husbands was that type, or if there was no way to tell for sure.
A. Infection with a parasite from the genus Plasmodium causes
malaria. Malaria is not caused by a virus.
Q. We recently returned from Rome where we had a consultation with a doctor for my wife who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma 12 years ago. The Italian doctor is a pathologist, oncologist and surgeon who was trained in traditional medicine in Italy. The reason for our consultation was to explore some ongoing preventions for my wife's lymphoma. She had CVP treatment (6 cycles). She has been very healthy since treatment and a very careful diet eliminating sugar, white flour, and most meats. After 12 years, her disease in showing some low level activity, although her very good health continues. The doctor has recommended that she add inositol, lactoferrin, and beta-carotene to the vitamins / suppliments that she already takes.
Q. My little Yorkie was just diagnosed with Lymphoma
and I don’t want to put him through chemotherapy. My question is: I just
purchased the IP6 product to give to him; I also purchased a product called K9
Immunity. The K9 Immunity contains the following…see below...I copied it from
their site: they are anti cancer compounds. Do you think combining the 2 would
cause a chemical or physical reaction? K-9 Immunity contains a class of
immune-modulator compounds called hetero-polysaccharides, including PSK, PSP and
Lentinan, which are the three most widely used anticancer compounds in the world
today. This formula also contains nearly 200 other closely related
polysaccharides which trigger other aspects of immune function. These compounds
are sometimes referred to as glyconutrients, and are required for correct immune
function in all mammals. K-9 Immunity™ is available in the USA (and many other
countries) without a prescription. K-9 Immunity is an all-natural, non-toxic
daily supplement made from 100% USDA Certified Organic materials.
A. Sorry, I am not familiar with K-9 Immunity product. It is very
difficult to know what the interactions would be, if any, between Immunity K9
and IP-6.
I came upon your website upon doing a search online
regarding my diagnosis at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, of "Skin / Cutaneous
Lymphoma" T-cell I believe, with lesions of different sizes, in patches or
"crops" that are increasing. I am a 53 yr. old female, postmenapausal.I was
diagnosed after seeing both my hematologist and dermatologist at Mayo in Sept.
2009.In Sept. '09 I had blood work, bone marrow collection and PET SCAN. The
tests were "clean" except for the PET SCAN showed 3-4 lymph nodes lit up under
my L arm. Due to this I had another PET SCAN in Dec. 2009 and the lymph nodes
were much dimmer. I return to Mayo to my hematologist every 3 months for follow
up blood work, and whatever tests he feels are necessary. I just returned for
follow up with blood work that showed "clean". However, my hematologist stated
in Dec. '09 that he had discussed my case at a convention due to the fact that
my biopsies taken in Sept. '09 were all CD30 except one was a CD4. He stated
that they are close relatives, yet CD4 is worse. I have Clobetasol Steroid
ointment to apply as needed, which I do sparingly. It does help if I have one
that is sore/itchy, yet some I never even feel at all, so do not apply it to
all, with so many popping up. My hematologist does not feel it is wisest to do
further extensive treatment such as chemo, etc., at this time due to the side
effects. I appreciate his caution on this matter. I now have several "patches"
and spots of lesions, more on my legs and arms. Recently I have 2 on my front
neck, appearing as red pimples and hard to the touch. The are very stubborn to
eventually flatten out and leave gray color scars. It may take weeks to months
for them to flatten then scar. I've noticed that where there has been a larger
lesion, (lima bean size), then other smaller ones pop up around the same area,
which I've been told can happen anywhere on my body. My skin is extremely dry,
even prior to this diagnosis. I am now very cautious about the type of cream of
body lotion, etc., I use. No scent, etc. It was suggested that I use Vanicream.
I read on your site about: Indole-3-Carbinol via the lymphoma page, and am
wondering about it. My questions for you are: Can you suggest a couple of
products for me to try that may help? Can you suggest a body and/or face
cream/lotion that may help? I state "a couple" due to the fact that I want to
start slowly and simply so that I may tell what may or may not help my problem.
The medications & supplements I presently take are: Atenelol Paxil Omega-3
Vitamin B Complex Citrical Vit D 2000 IU per day (as suggested via my
hematologist last visit March 2010). I will greatly appreciate and look forward
to hearing from you and thank you for taking the time to read my message.
I am not able to make specific treatment suggestions but
perhaps you can discuss the information on this page with your doctor.
I had a biopsy which concluded that I have Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma Large B Cell. It was recommended that I start a very aggressive chemo treatment. I believe one of the chemo was Rituxan 100 mg 10 mg/ml 10 ml SDV 800 mg Dose: 800 mg. I had four rounds of treatment. With each passing week my side effects were becoming more and more unbearable even though I was told that my worst side would be only fatigue. I will never take any more chemo, even if it shortens my life expectancy. I turned 66 this year. I had an MRI and it showed no cancer. This was the day before my forth round of chemo. While this is great news, the price I paid for the side effects, feeling like I was poisoned for five days straight, was just not worth it. I am looking for alternatives.
I have just being diagnosed
by Hodgkin's lymphoma and do not want to go for chemo, so I read about reishi
mushrooms. Can I take this product to boost my immune system?
I have not seen enough research with reishi mushroom as a treatment
for Hodgkin's lymphoma to know whether it would help.