Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of solid blood cancer, referred to as "Kanser Kelenjar" in Malay. It is primarily categorized into Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin Lymphoma, which significantly differ in age groups, treatment options, and prognosis. Staging plays a crucial role in predicting the disease's outcome, but systemic chemotherapy is generally necessary to address all stages of the illness.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is an integral part of our immune system. It helps maintain the balance of body fluids and acts as a "respite" area for our blood. This system plays a vital role in our body's defense mechanisms. Diseases affecting it, such as lymphoma, necessitate systemic chemotherapy.
Bone Marrow Aspiration & Trephine
In Lymphoma, this procedure is done as part of staging processes. The procedure involves using a specialized bone marrow needle to access a specific area in the upper buttock region (posterior iliac crest). The ideal position is to lie on your side with both knees bent. For children, the procedure is performed on the sternum.
The Lymphatic Drainage
System
Lymphatic vessels collect fluids from loose connective tissue to great veins in the neck.
The fluid flows only toward the heart. Hence all lymphoma needs to be treated as fluid cancers with systemic chemotherapy even for a stage 1 lymphoma.
Pet Scan
Molecular techniques used in hematology are Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Karyotype analysis, Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and Next-generation sequencing (NGS). This allow a more comprehensive studies of blood cancer cells.
