Lymphoma Flashcards
Lymphoma is a cancer affecting which type of blood cells?
Lymphocytes
What are the two main categories of lymphoma?
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma (specific disease)
- Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (encompasses all other lymphomas)
What age group does Hodgkin’s lymphoma most commonly affect?
Bimodal age distribution (peaks around 20 and 75 years of age)
What is the key presenting symptom of lymphoma?
Lymphadenopathy (typically painless)
What is meant by “B symptoms”?
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
Which test is the diagnostic investigation for lymphoma?
Lymph node biopsy
In patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymph node biopsy will show which specific type of cell?
Reed-Sternberg cells
Which staging system is used for lymphoma?
Describe this system
Ann Arbor staging system:
1 - single region
2 - in more than one region (on same side of diaphragm)
3 - in more than one region (both sides of diaphragm)
4 - widespread involvement including extra-lymphatic organs, e.g. liver, lungs
What is the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the UK? How does this typically present?
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Typically presents with rapidly growing painless mass in older patients
Which type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is associated with viral infection such as HIV and EBV?
Burkitt lymphoma
Which type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is associated with H. pylori?
MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma
Briefly describe the management of lymphoma
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
Which sign may be present on examination in a patient with lymphoma?
Hepatosplenomegaly
