Cancer of the lymphatic system (Hodgkin’s lymphoma) – C81 – C90

Malignant tumors of the lymphatic system account for 6% of all newly diagnosed cancers. Cancer of the lymphatic system affects all ages, but twice as many men than women.

About the disease

Lymphatic cancers are caused by proliferation of specific groups of white blood cells – lymphocytes that are clustered in the lymph nodes. Cancer cells rapidly multiply and stimulate a thickening of the lymph nodes. Lymphatic tissue (and its lymphatic vessel system) crosses the entire body, so lymphomas spread easily and quickly.

Causes

A major cause of the disease is a weak immune system, which is unable to prevent genetic changes of lymphocytes, or viral infections that directly influence the genetic makeup of cells. Not all people affected by virus (e.g. Epstein-Barr) have lymphomas. Effects of external environment and chemical substances in particular may largely contribute to their development. Diseases are more common in men who tend to ignore cancer signs more than women. Some types of lymphomas are typical in the young population (Hodgkin’s lymphoma) while others affect the older (Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma).

Signs and symptoms

Disease symptoms vary depending on a site, sometimes the lymphoma is found accidentally as it causes no problems. Most of them manifest sooner or later as enlarged lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits, or groin); however, this enlargement is not necessarily a sign of cancer. Cancer-induced enlargement of lymph nodes often provokes swelling, blood clots, or depending on its location it may cause e.g. shortness of breath, cough, stomach fullness and abdominal discomfort, jaundice, diarrhoea, blood in the stool, or neurological signs of brain damage. Even generalised manifestations may develop such as fatigue, fever, sweating, loss of appetite with weight loss, or increased susceptibility to infections and many more.

Preventing cancer of the lymphatic system

Strengthening of the immune system is recommended as prevention; this involves exercise, healthy diet and natural food supplements, avoiding smoking, and adherence to regular health checks that may reveal the problem on time. It is essential not to underestimate any signs or symptoms.

Impact of the immune system on cancer of the lymphatic system

Because dysfunction of the immune response contributes to development of the disease, the immune system plays a major role. Once we feel tired, the slightest sign of compromised immunity, we should not underestimate this, but provide the body everything it needs. The immune system may be reinforced by good-quality sleep, vitamin intake, spending time in the countryside and other means. Unfortunately, many people are too busy nowadays and unable to support their immunity naturally, so it has become fairly obvious to boost the immune system by natural food supplements. If the process of immunity enhancement is not timely enough, a more serious disease may appear such as cancer of the lymphatic system; the natural immunity boost and natural products are a necessity.