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DEFINITION
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The
main type of lymphoma are:
1. Hodgkin’s lymphoma
2. Non- hodgkin’s lymphoma
1)Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma( hodgkin’s disease) is a chronic,
progressive, neoplastic disorder of lymphatic tissue
characterized by the painless enlargement of lymph
nodes with progression to extra-lymphatic sites such as
the spleen and liver.
causes
The exact cause of the disease is unknown
The risk factors may be
Age 15-45 yrs>55 yrs
Positive family history
Male (slightly more chance)
Past-Epistein Barr infection
Ionizing radiation
Signs and symptoms
Enlarged nodes in lower cervical region, nodes are
nontender, firm and movable.
Recurrent intermittent fever
Night sweats
Weightloss
Malaise, lethargy, persistent fatigue
Loss of appetite
Itching
hepatospl
diagnosis
History taking
Physical examination
lymph biopsy- reed-sternberg cells positive
CT scan , MRI
Blood test
Bone marrow biopsy
staging
Stage 1: limited to one lymph node region or a single
organ
Stage 2: the cancer is in 2 different lymphnodes but is
limited to a section of the body either above or below
the diaphragm
Stage 3: the cancer moves to lymph nodes both above
and below the diaphragm, but has not spread from the
lymphnodes to other organs.
Stage 4: advanced stage, disease affects not only the
lymphnodes but other parts of body such as bone
marrow, or liver.
management
Treatment includes
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Stem cell transplantation
Nursing management
Promotion of comfort and safety.
Provide psychological support.
Counsel the patient that hodgkin’s disease are curable.
Arrangement for chemotherapy and radiation treatment
and for periodic blood counts.
Avoid use tobacco, alcohol and exposure to other
carcinogens and radiation which may develop other
cancer.
Screen for effect of chemotherapy.
Provide education about relevant self care method.
2) Non- hodgkin’s lymphoma
Tumor originating in lymphatic tissue and it is
significantly different from hodgkin’s lymphoma. The
characteristics of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma are
control of primary tumor is difficult.
Disease is diffuse, cell type undifferentiated.
Tumor disseminates early.
Includes wide ranges of disease entities such as
lymphosarcoma, retuculum cell sarcoma and Burkit’s
lymphoma.
Signs and symptoms
Depends on anatomic site and extent of the
involvement. The nature of disease is rapid onset and
progression and may have advanced disease at
diagnosis.
Nursing management
Provide care for receiving radiation therapy.
Administer chemotherapy as ordered and monitor.
Protect client from infection.
Provide support and increased coping mechanisms.