Relapsed Lymphomas

Relapsed Lymphomas: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Relapsed lymphomas are a type of cancer that can occur when cancer cells that have previously been treated or cleared from the body return. They can be difficult to recognize and treat and many patients don’t realize they have lymphomas until they receive a diagnosis from their healthcare provider. Here’s what you need to know about relapsed lymphomas, including what causes them, what symptoms they can cause and how they are treated.

Causes Of Relapsed Lymphomas

The main cause of relapsed lymphomas is incomplete treatment of the lymphoma at the time of initial diagnosis. For some types of lymphoma, the initial treatment will never completely clear the cancer from the body. Over time, the remaining cancer cells can start to grow and divide, leading to a recurrence of the lymphoma. Other possible causes include genetic mutations, changes in the tumor microenvironment, radiation damage and the development of drug resistance.

Symptoms Of Relapsed Lymphomas

Symptoms of relapsed lymphomas vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Patients may experience fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, chest pain or difficulty breathing. If the lymphoma is affecting the liver or spleen, there may be abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Treatment For Relapsed Lymphomas

Treatment for relapsed lymphomas depends on the type of lymphoma, the extent of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove any remaining cancer cells. Biological therapy, such as monoclonal antibodies, may also be used. Clinical trials may be available for patients with relapsed lymphomas.

Prevention Of Relapsed Lymphomas

The best way to prevent relapsed lymphomas is to ensure that the initial treatment is adequate. It’s also important to follow-up with your healthcare provider regularly, even after the initial treatment is completed. Early detection is key, so it’s important to be aware of any changes in your symptoms or health. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest can help reduce the risk of relapsed lymphomas.

Takeaway

Relapsed lymphomas are a type of cancer that can occur when cancer cells that have previously been treated or cleared from the body return. While the main cause is incomplete treatment of the initial lymphoma, there are other possible causes. Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer and treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, surgery and biological therapy. To reduce the risk of relapsed lymphomas, it’s important to ensure adequate initial treatment and follow-up with your healthcare provider regularly.