Lymphomas

Cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. There are two classifications of lymphoma cancers; Non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s and cutaneous T-cell. Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s lymphoma include painless swelling in lymph nodes in the neck, underarm and groin; unexplained fever; drenching night sweats; unexplained weight loss; and itchy skin. Symptoms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma include itchiness; dark patches on the skin; tumors on the skin; and skin infections. Diagnostic tests include lymph node or skin biopsies, blood and bone marrow tests, CT scans and laparotomy. Treatment plans depend on the diagnosis, stage of the disease, size of the tumor and a patient’s general health and age. Options include drug therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy, emollients, moisturizers, topical steroids, electron beam therapy and retinoids and interferon; surgical procedures like bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation; radioimmunotherapy; herbal medication; nutritional supplements; homeopathy; hydrotherapy; and acupuncture.