What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also known simply as lymphoma or NHL) is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system.
Lymphoma affects the body’s lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that helps fight infections and some other conditions. It also helps carry fluids throughout the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are more commonly seen in adults than in children, and the risk gradually increases with age, especially after the age of 50. The average age of diagnosis is between 45 and 55 years.
Lymphomas can start in any part of the body that has lymphatic tissue. Lymphatic tissue is mainly found in the following areas:
- Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are groups of lymphocytes and other bean-sized cells in the immune system, found all over the body, including inside the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Lymph nodes are interconnected by a network of lymphatic vessels.
- Spleen: The spleen is an organ located beneath the lower ribs on the left side of the body. The spleen produces lymphocytes and other immune system cells. It also stores healthy blood cells and serves as a filter to remove damaged blood cells, bacteria and cellular waste.
- Bone marrow: It’s the spongy tissue found inside certain bones. This is where new blood cells are produced (including some lymphocytes).
- Thymus: The thymus is a small organ located behind the upper part of the sternum and in front of the heart. It plays a crucial role in the development of T cells.
- Adenoids and tonsils: Clusters of lymphatic tissue in the back of the throat. Both help produce antibodies against germs that are inhaled or swallowed.
- Gastrointestinal tract: The stomach, intestines, as well as many other organs, also contain lymphatic tissue.
Types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
B-cell lymphoma: Approximately 90% of lymphoma patients in Western countries have B-cell lymphoma.
T-cell lymphoma: About 10% of lymphoma patients have T-cell lymphoma. These lymphomas are more common in Asian countries.
NK-cell lymphoma: Less than 1% of lymphoma patients have natural killer cell lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Mexico.
As a disease that predominantly affects Caucasian genes, it is less prevalent among Mexicans, affecting around 7%, while Caucasians are affected at a rate of approximately 30%. Overall, this disease is more common in men than in women and tends to be diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 70. It is the seventh most common type of cancer and is the most common blood cancer, requiring strict monitoring to determine the best treatment for each case.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Latin America.
In Mexico, lymphoma is among the top ten causes of mortality in both men and women. In Uruguay, there were 9.99 cases of NHL and 3.58 cases of HL per 100,000 inhabitants.
In Peru, studies conducted in Lima from 2010 to 2012 showed that NHL accounted for 4.8% of all cancers, with a mortality rate of 5.3% across all cases. Moreover, it was the fourth most prevalent cancer type. In Trujillo, NHL was reported as the seventh most frequent cancer across all cases, accounting for 4.2%, while HL accounted for 0.3%.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) registry, the global incidence rate of NHL in men was 5.6/100,000, with a mortality rate of 3.2/100,000. In women, the global incidence and mortality rates were lower compared to those of men: 4.1/100,000 and 2.4/100,000 respectively.
Treatments
Chemotherapy: Special drugs are used to shrink or kill cancer cells. These medications can come in the form of oral tablets or injections administered into your veins, or in some cases, both methods may be used.
Targeted therapy: It refers to the use of medications to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. These medications can be taken orally as tablets or administered intravenously. Tests will be conducted to determine if targeted therapy is suitable for your type of cancer before this treatment is administered.
Radiation therapy: High-energy rays (similar to X-rays) are used to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Drugs are used to help a person’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.