LYMPHOMA

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.