Lymphoma and Leukemia Flashcards
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphomas represent a diversity of lymphoid malignancies often associated with peripheral lymphoid tissue, specifically the lymph nodes, where they are most likely to originate
Common classifications of lymphoma?
Separated in Hodgkin and Non Hodgkin
Otherwise, lymphomas are often classified by the make up of lymphoid cells involved and level of aggression of the malignancy
Cardinal Signs of Lymphoma
fever, fatigue and weight loss.
Common characteristics of Hodgkin Lymphoma>
Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by large, atypical cells within the neoplasm know as Reed-Sternberg cells. This type of lymphoma originates in a single node or chain of nodes and will often spread to nodes nearest to its anatomical borders
Common characteristics of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas, which do not include any Reed-Sternberg cells, are much more unpredictable in identifying their site of origin and pattern of spread. While they often begin in lymph nodes, they have the potential to originate in any lymphoid tissue and spread to any location in the body with relative unpredictability
Etiology of Hodgkin?
Risk Factors?
Largely idiopathic, viral etiology suspected
Incidence is bimodal, associated with early adulthood (15-40yrs) and elderly (55yrs+)
autoimmune disease, immunosuppressive drug therapies, herbecides, and close blood relative with disease increase risk
Pathology of Hodgkin
Hodgkin Lymphoma is unicentric in origin, beginning in a single lymph node. Subsequent spread is generally to contiguous areas within the lymphatic system. Though rare, the malignancy could potentially spread to anywhere in the body. The spleen is a common site of concern for spread. The disease is characterized by the presence of Reed- Sternberg cells within the neoplasm, though these cells can make up a proportionally smalll number of total make up of the tumor. The morphologically distinct cell is large and has a multinucleated or bilobed nucleus that allows them to be easily identified to provide diagnosis. The disease is typically divided into five subgroups with the most common being “nodular sclerosis” and “mixed cellularity.” The specific subgroup type will affect the pathology, risks and prognosis of the disease.
Classic early presentation of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma tends to first present with painless enlarged nodes, often in the cervical, supraclavicular and mediastinal nodes
What are B symptoms?
What do they indicate?
“B symptoms” are indicative of a more advanced form of the disease, often signaling a negative prognosis. These symptoms include weight loss greater then 10%, fever without chills, and drenching night sweats. These symptoms suggest systemic, rather then localized, neoplastic growth.
DX and Tx of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Diagnosis requires Reed-Sternberg cells to be present in a biopsy.
Treatment choice is based more on the stage of the disease then on the specific subgroup classification. Radiation is a common treatment for dealing with specific area of malignancy. Chemotherapy for to suppress growth
Etiology of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Risk factors?
Largely Idiopathic
Incidence is highest in the elderly population over 50 years. Immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases increase the risk of developing the disease, as do regular immunosuppressive drug therapies. Chronic infections, and associated high replication of lymphocytes, also increase risk of developing the disease.
Where does Non hodgkin lymphoma often originate and how does it spread
Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas often show multicentric origin and are rarely limited to a single location. The most common site of origin is still the lymph nodes, but development in any lymph tissue is possible, and spread in extra nodal tissue is not uncommon
What type of lymphocytes does non hodgkin involve?
B lymphocytes
What can be predicted with non hodgkin spread?
unpredictable in relation to location of secondary sites and often occurs before major symptom development and diagnosis. The liver, bone marrow, and spleen are locations of concern for spread
MNFTS of Non Hodgkin
constitutional symptoms of fever, excess sweating and weight loss. These systemic systems are referred to as “B symptoms” and are present in about 1/3 of cases, signaling a more negative prognosis. Poor humeral antibody response is common as well as an increased susceptibility to infections
