Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Rare Form of Cancer
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is composed of a varied group of cancers resulting from benzene exposure; it also includes any lymphoma that are exceptions to Hodgkin’s lymphoma. There are a number of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that have been discovered, however they are still identified usually by their rate of progression.
Lymphocytes, a white blood cell type, are said to be the origins of lymphoma, which in turn is a rare cancer type. Throughout the years, experts have discovered a number of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma subtypes by extensive research. These subtypes are primarily classified according to how aggressive they act, and the rate at which they progress.
Non-hodgkin lymphoma’s less-aggressive forms can be categorized with a number of varying chronic diseases, which have the possibility of lasting for an undetermined number of years subject to the treatment’s effectiveness. Non-hodgkin lymphomas can be treated using a combination of monoclonal antibodies, radiation, immunotherapy, hematopoictic stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy.
Patients with less-aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma suffer from the disease for an extended period of time; the aggressive form, on the other hand, can lead to death in only a short span of time.
Lymphoma Linked with Benzene Exposure
A form of cancer that evolves from a type of white blood cell called lymphocyte, lymphoma has first been discovered and distinguished by Thomas Hodgkins in 1832.
Between the years 1956 and 1966, the Rappaport Classification became the recognized identification of various lymphomas that are not Hodgkin’s; this classification was planned by Henry Rappaport. NHL, with the help of the Rappaport Classification’s publication in 1982, helped in determining three other lymphoma forms.
Doctors and researchers in modern times have started to look into the possibility of a common link between benzene and lymphoma. Primarily used in drugs, pesticides and rubber, benzene has already been established as a carcinogen.
Exposure to benzene has led to people developing some form of leukemia, resulting to major changes and losses in their lives. Prolonged exposure to this carcinogen commonly results to individuals developing one health problem or another all without proper knowledge of the risks involved with regards to the exposure.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma’s Symptoms
Some of the symptoms that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients experience are:
*Lymph nodes that are swollen but without pain
*Night sweats
*Chest pain and abdominal swelling
*Weight loss that is unexplainable