Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which is transmitted through bodily secretions such as blood or semen. As these individuals have a weakened immune system, they are very vulnerable to developing other life-threatening conditions. Individuals with AIDS often are at high risk of developing cancers that commonly include cervical cancer, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma. The aids-related lymphoma is cancer that develops in the lymph system of individuals with AIDS. The lymph system is a part of the body’s immune system that helps fight off infections and diseases. The lymph system is made up of lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils and bone marrow. The lymph is the fluid that carries white blood cells called lymphocytes through the lymph system. There are several types of lymphoma which are divided into two general categories; Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. When an individual with AIDS develops non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is known as AIDS-related lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
This type of cancer develops in the lymphatic system of the body when the healthy cells change and grow out of control forming the tumor. The lymphatic system is present throughout the body and some of the lymph nodes are present in the pelvis, underarms, neck, the groin and the abdomen. There are several subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the common ones include primary central nervous system lymphoma that affects the brain, primary effusion lymphoma where abnormal fluid accumulation occurs around the lungs or the abdomen and the intermediate and high-grade lymphoma.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms that are caused by the AIDS-related lymphoma include weight loss, night sweats and the enlarged lymph nodes in the chest, neck, underarm or the groin. Additional symptoms can include fever, fatigue and an itchy skin. It is important to get medical evaluation particularly if symptoms persist for longer than a couple of weeks.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the medical history of the individual, a physical examination that looks for lumps and various tests. A complete blood count can measure the blood cells, platelets and the level of hemoglobin. A lymph node biopsy involves a procedure to removes a sample of tissue from the lymph node that is observed under the microscope for cancer cells. A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy also removes the sample of bone marrow that looks for signs of cancer. An x-ray may be required to study the organs and bones of the body.
Treatment
Individuals with AIDS-related lymphoma often respond differently from those with lymphoma who don’t have AIDS. Most often, the AIDS-related lymphoma can grow aggressively affecting other parts of the body. These patients are usually treated with lower doses of medications to minimize further damage to their weakened immune system. The AIDS related-peripheral / systemic lymphoma is treated with combination chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy. The high-dose chemotherapy may be necessary if treatment has not responded well or if cancer has come back. The AIDS-related primary central nervous system lymphoma is treated with external radiation therapy.
References
http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/hiv-and-aids-related-cancer/introduction
https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/aids-related-treatment-pdq#section/_88
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/aids-related_lymphoma/
