lymphoma
Can people with lymphoma eat beef?
The diet for lymphoma patients isn't particularly special; it’s just like the diet of healthy individuals, with no need for specific dietary restrictions. Moreover, there aren't any prohibitions related to "hot-natured" foods as mentioned in traditional Chinese medicine. From a Western medicine perspective, the focus is simply on enhancing the patient's nutrition. This can be achieved by eating smaller, more frequent meals, and ensuring a balanced diet with a good mix of meat and vegetables. There are no special dietary taboos; all foods are permissible, provided one avoids junk food. Therefore, foods like beef and lamb are perfectly acceptable.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma refers to a type of malignant tumor that originates in the lymph nodes or extranodal tissues or organs. It is clinically categorized into two main types: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Furthermore, it can be subdivided into many different pathological types. Among these, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type in China, and there are dozens of different pathological types. The pathological type of the lymphoma determines its malignancy level, prognosis, chemotherapy regimen options, and treatment methods, all of which can vary significantly.
Is lymphoma a type of cancer?
Cancer refers to malignant tumors. Tumors are classified into benign and malignant types, with the malignant ones commonly referred to as cancer. Often discussed are those originating from epithelial cells, termed carcinomas, such as lung cancer and breast cancer. However, there are special types such as those originating from mesenchymal tissue, called sarcomas, including synovial sarcoma and osteosarcoma, which are also malignant tumors and belong to cancer. Lymphoma, a malignant tumor originating from lymph nodes or extranodal tissues or organs, is also classified as cancer.
Early symptoms of lymphoma
The early symptoms of lymphoma patients are primarily due to its predilection for lymph nodes, with the majority of cases initially presenting with swollen lymph nodes in the neck or collarbone area. These lymph nodes usually enlarge progressively without pain, which is the most common early clinical symptom. However, some specific types of lymphoma, such as nasal NKT lymphoma, present with localized symptoms like nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or a runny nose. There are also lymphomas originating in the stomach, part of the digestive tract, whose symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Furthermore, some lymphomas originate in the skin, manifesting as skin nodules. Therefore, depending on the site of occurrence, the symptoms can vary, but the enlargement of superficial lymph nodes remains the primary clinical manifestation in most cases.
Is lymphoma contagious?
Current research has not found lymphoma to have a very clear genetic predisposition or familial clustering. This is entirely different from familial breast cancer and colon cancer. Although there are many causes of lymphoma, and it is likely related to certain bacterial and viral infections, the mechanism of tumor occurrence is very complex. Infection is only one of the external factors, and currently, there is no evidence that lymphoma has tendencies for contagion or outbreaks. Therefore, as a relative of a lymphoma patient, the risk of developing lymphoma is not significantly higher than that of the general population, so there is no need for excessive worry.
Which department do you go to for lymphoma?
If a lump is found on the neck and lymphoma is suspected, the first step is to consult with the head and neck surgery department. The lymphoma lesion will be surgically removed by the department, and then sent for a pathological examination. If lymphoma is confirmed, the next steps involve treatment by the oncology department, hematology department, or radiation therapy department.
Lymphoma fever symptoms
Patients with lymphoma commonly exhibit symptoms such as fever, clinically referred to as B symptoms. Some patients may also experience additional B symptoms such as fatigue, sweating, or weight loss. Patients displaying these B symptoms generally have a poorer prognosis. Furthermore, lymphoma patients typically experience fever more frequently in the afternoon or evening, usually presenting with a low-grade fever. If the condition of a lymphoma patient is not controlled, their fever symptoms will recur repeatedly. Only when the condition is under control will there be an alleviation of fever symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs are not effective in these cases.