How to check for lymphoma?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Patients with lymphoma generally present with painless enlargement of superficial lymph nodes as their initial symptom, most commonly in areas such as the neck, above the collarbone, and the groin. For diagnostic purposes, it is best, if possible, to conduct a whole-body PADCT scan as this helps in the staging of lymphoma at the initial visit. A definitive diagnosis requires the complete excisional biopsy of the affected superficial lymph node, followed by a pathological examination. An excisional biopsy is a method for confirming the diagnosis of lymphoma.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Causes of Malignant Lymphoma

The causes of malignant lymphoma are the result of multiple factors. First, it is associated with infections by bacteria or viruses, such as the well-documented chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori, which is closely related to the occurrence of lymphoma associated with the gastric mucosa. Second, immunodeficiency conditions, like in AIDS patients or those who have been taking immunosuppressive drugs for a long period, have a higher likelihood of developing malignant lymphoma compared to the general population. Third, chemical or physical factors, such as environmental carcinogens and electromagnetic radiation, can also lead to malignant lymphoma. Other factors, such as long-term use of certain drugs like phenytoin or pseudoephedrine, and a genetic predisposition, can also be causes of malignant lymphoma.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Lymphoma PR means "partial remission" of lymphoma.

"Lymphoma PR refers to an assessment of the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Typically, in clinical practice, after two rounds of chemotherapy, a comprehensive examination is conducted to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. PR stands for partial remission, which means that the measurable size of the tumor has reduced by at least 30% and has remained stable for four weeks. Clinically, this is referred to as PR, or partial remission, and it is an assessment of the effectiveness of chemotherapy."

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Lymphoma registration: which department?

Patients diagnosed with lymphoma can register under the departments of Hematology or Oncology, as both departments can administer chemotherapy. However, radiation therapy can only be conducted in the Oncology department. Each hospital may have slightly different categorizations for departments and diseases. However, for a patient initially presenting with lymphoma, who has not yet been diagnosed and primarily shows symptoms of painless lymph node enlargement, they can register under General Surgery. After completing necessary examinations like an ultrasound, if lymphoma is suspected, a lymph node excision biopsy is usually performed in General Surgery.

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Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
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Is lymphoma contagious?

Lymphoma is not contagious, as it is not an infectious disease but a tumoral disease. Therefore, it is not contagious, and when seeking medical treatment for lymphoma, patients do not go to the department of infectious diseases. Typically, treatment is conducted in the oncology department or in the hematology department specializing in lymphoma. Thus, lymphoma is not contagious because it is not caused by an infectious pathogen. It is a solid tumor that is tangible and visible.

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Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
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Lymphoma has what manifestations?

The symptoms of lymphoma, simply put, are that some people feel a lump on their neck or in their armpit; it starts as a sudden appearance of a swelling that gets larger over time, sometimes not just one, but multiple lumps clustered together. This is indeed the most common symptom, where one can feel something on their neck, including under the jaw or the chin, noticing suddenly a nodule has formed, whether it's the size of a chicken egg or otherwise. That's one aspect. The second involves systemic symptoms, which primarily include fever, night sweats, and weight loss. These three symptoms are quite common.