Aggressive Lymphoma
What is Aggressive Lymphoma?
Aggressive lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. It is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and is one of the most serious forms of the disease. It is usually diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, which means that it may be more difficult to treat. Treatment for aggressive lymphoma will usually involve a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation.
Signs and Symptoms of Aggressive Lymphoma
The signs and symptoms of aggressive lymphoma may vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:
- Painless swelling of the lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Treatment of Aggressive Lymphoma
The treatment for aggressive lymphoma depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease and the person's age and overall health. Common treatments for aggressive lymphoma include:
- Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. It is usually given in cycles, where an individual receives a few cycles of chemotherapy and then has a period of rest.
- Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy uses high energy beams to target cancer cells. It is usually given in larger doses than chemotherapy, but often with fewer side effects.
- Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy uses the body's own immune system to help fight cancer cells. It works by stimulating the body's natural defense system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Stem cell transplantation – Stem cell transplantation is a newer treatment option for aggressive lymphoma. It involves replacing some of the patient's bone marrow with healthy donor stem cells to help fight the cancer.
- Surgery – Surgery may be used to remove lymph nodes that contain cancer cells.
Prognosis for Aggressive Lymphoma
The prognosis for aggressive lymphoma varies depending on factors such as the stage of the disease, the type of lymphoma, and the individual's age and overall health. Most people with aggressive lymphoma can be treated successfully with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or stem cell transplants. However, not all people with aggressive lymphoma respond well to these treatments and some may relapse.