What is Lymphoma?
Under 30?! You need to know this..
Lymphoma is a blood cancer and the most common cancer in teenagers and young people! Around 1 in 5 young people diagnosed with cancer have lymphoma and every year in the UK, around 500 young people aged 15 to 24 develop lymphoma.
The Lymphatic System
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. Lymphoma happens when lymphocytes (a kind of white blood cell) grow un an uncontrolled way and build up in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and other areas. Instead of forming a solid tumour like other cancers, lymphoma causes the lymph nodes (sometimes called glands) and other lymphatic tissues to become enlarged.
Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small, kidney bean-shaped organs that are the filters of the lymphatic system. They clean the lymph fluid and lymphocytes, removing bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. The nodes are also responsible for the manufacturing and storage of infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. Lymph nodes can be felt in the armpits, the groin and the neck. There are many more that can’t be felt, such as nodes in the stomach, pelvis and chest.
Lymphoma Symptoms
What symptoms of Lymphoma you have depends on where the lymphoma starts and what parts of your body it affects.
Like any cancer, lymphoma can affect the function of the tissue involved. For example, if it affects your lungs, you might have a cough or shortness of breath and if lymphoma is growing in your abdomen you may experience abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation.
There are many different types of lymphoma which can behave differently and need different treatment.
