The National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimates that more than 15,000 cases of lymphoma are expected to be diagnosed by the end of this year in Brazil. A reference in oncology in the North, Loyola Hospital (HOL), in Belém, warns of the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the disease that affects the lymphatic system, causing swelling of the lymph nodes, fever and other symptoms caused by a weakened immune system.
The hospital unit is part of the state's public health network and today has 144 patients undergoing chemotherapy for this type of cancer, but there are many others in follow-up, undergoing non-chemotherapy treatments, in preparation for bone marrow transplantation. Or in follow-up for control.
The most common symptoms are lumps or bumps on the body, mainly on the neck, armpits and groin, with an increase in the size of these structures. However, the symptoms depend on the location. If the lymph nodes appear in the chest, for example, shortness of breath, local pain and cough may occur. If in the pelvis or abdomen, the signs are discomfort and abdominal distension. Fatigue, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, itching of the body, anemia, weakness and persistent fever may also occur.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical evaluation. Image: Disclosure of causes and types – The causes are not known. Experts believe that some factors may increase the risk, such as viral and bacterial infections caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis, and HTVL (human T-cell lymphotropic virus) and Helicobacter pylori.
There are more than 40 subtypes of the disease, initially divided into two groups, explains Thiago Xavier Carneiro, hematologist at the Lymphoma Outpatient Clinic at Ofir Loyola Hospital. “Hodgkin lymphoma spreads in an organized manner from a group of lymph nodes and affects younger patients. The most common is non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which originates in T and B lymphocytes, spreads randomly throughout the lymphatic system and usually affects older people.
Early diagnosis and treatment help the patient to get a better prognosis of the disease. In case of doubt, a hematologist should be consulted. A surgical biopsy of the enlarged lymph node is requested, and the collected material should be evaluated to classify the type of disease. There are other cases that can be diagnosed through laboratory or radiological tests, especially when there are symptoms that suggest the disease.
service: In the HOL outpatient clinic there are specialist doctors who guide the best treatment, usually chemotherapy. “We use smart drugs, which only attack the diseased cell and are able to destroy the lymphoma. Furthermore, bone marrow transplantation is also an alternative that is evaluated, depending on the patient’s needs.
To start treatment at Ophir Loyola Hospital, the patient must be referred by the Basic Health Unit (UBS) or the health department of the municipality of origin, via the regulatory system.
“Wannabe internet buff. Future teen idol. Hardcore zombie guru. Gamer. Avid creator. Entrepreneur. Bacon ninja.”