The lymphatic system consists of various tissues and organs such as the lymph, lymph vessels and the lymph nodes. The lymph is the fluid containing the white blood cells, lymph vessels carry the lymph and the lymph nodes are the glands present throughout the lymph vessels. The lymphatic system is the body’s defense mechanism that fights off infectious agents such as bacteria and ensuring the disease cannot spread further. When any condition affects the lymphatic system, it can be dangerous. Hence, proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. Some of the diseases of the lymphatic system include lymphangitis, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and lymphocytosis.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
This is a type of cancer that develops in the white blood cells called lymphocytes. As the lymph tissue is present in various parts of the body, this condition can occur anywhere. The common sites are the lymph nodes in the chest, neck and under the arms. The common symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma are the enlarged lymph node that can continue to grow, night sweats, weight loss, fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. The treatment for this cancer is based on the age of the individual and the stage of cancer. The treatment types include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Some of the cases may be treated with immunotherapy or stem cell therapy particularly when other treatment has not been effective. A surgery as the treatment option is rarely considered for this cancer.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
The non-Hodgkin lymphoma can continue to grow and spread based on their types that include the indolent lymphomas and aggressive lymphomas. The indolent lymphomas usually grow and spread slowly which may not require treatment although it will be monitored closely. The aggressive lymphomas can grow and spread fast and treatment should be initiated soon as possible. All types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas can spread to other parts of the body such as the bone marrow, brain and the liver. The symptoms are based on the location and the type of cancer. Some of the common symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, sweating, weight loss, swollen abdomen, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, frequent infections and feeling full after consuming a small quantity of food. The main types of treatment for this cancer include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplant.
Lymphocytosis
This is a condition that develops with an increase in a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. The lymphocytes are an essential part of an individual’s immune system which fights off infections. Although the lymphocytes count normally increases with an infection, Lymphocytosis is considered when the count of lymphocytes is higher than 3,000 lymphocytes in a microliter of blood in adults. This is generally considered to be harmless but can also occur as the result of a chronic infection or cancer. Some of the causes of lymphocytosis include acute lymphocytic leukemia, mononucleosis, viral infections and tuberculosis. The treatment is based on the underlying cause.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/lymphocytosis/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050660
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/treating.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma/treating.html
