Non Hodgkin Lymphoma Research Paper

Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Our lymphatic system helps to protect us from disease and infection and consists of: lymph nodes, plasma cells, lymphatic vessels, the spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, adenoids, bone marrow, and immunoglobulins. White blood cells called Lymphocytes, travel through the body via lymphatic vessels and help to trap and kill disease and infection. Lymphatic vessels connect to lymph glands in our bodies and collect into large ducts that empty into our blood stream. Lymphocytes enter the blood stream through these ducts. There are three main types of Lymphocytes. B lymphocytes (B cells) make antibodies in response to invading bacteria, viruses or other microbes. B lymphocytes

NHL may be associated with exposure to certain bacteria and viruses, especially those that suppress the immune system such as the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) a Herpes Virus that causes infectious Mononucleosis in adolescents or early adulthood, Human T-lymphocytotropic virus (HTLV), human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), and Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) a bacteria that is known to cause stomach ulcers. Researchers have also found that people who live and work in farming areas have a higher incidence of NHL; due possibly to exposure to ingredients in herbicides and

Stage I -One lymph node region. Stage IE is when one area or organ other than the lymph nodes are affected. Stage II is two or more lymph node regions that are close to each other and on the same side of the diaphragm. Stage IIE is one organ or area other than the lymph nodes and one or more lymph node regions nearby the affected organ or area and possibly one or more lymph node regions that are on the same side of the diaphragm. Stage III is several lymph node regions both above and below the diaphragm. Stage IIIE is one organ or area other than the lymph nodes and several lymph node regions both above and below the diaphragm. Stage IV is widespread disease in one or more organs or areas other than the lymph nodes and possibly one or more lymph node regions. NHL is further broken down into two categories (Category A. and B.) depending on whether the person is experiencing certain symptoms. A Category is when the patient does not have a fever, excessive night sweating, and weight loss are present. B Category patients can experience fever, excessive night sweating, and weight