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Lywphomas are malignant tumors of the lymphatic system, the network of nodes and glands, combating infectious agents. In the United States there are approximately 58,000 new cases per year. The most common symptom is a painless enlargement of one or more lymph nodes in the neck , groin or armpit. Additional information on Hodgkin's disease a chronic fever and night sweats. Some people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and skin rashes, enlarged tonsils, and abdominal swelling. Although the cause of most lymphomas is unknown, some are closely related to viruses . In Africa, Burkitt's lymphoma is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus and chromosome abnormalities. In recent years, the AIDS: HIV) virus was a kind of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Diagnostic tests and procedures

A doctor who suspects lymphoma is carefully palpate, or feel any lymph nodes that are close to the surface of the body. Any suspicious areas are biopsied, if any, a distance of several lymph nodes. If Hodgkin's disease seems likely, diagnostic procedures may laparotomy in which a tube will display a small incision near the navel, so that a physician for tissue samples from abdominal organs, lymphoma that often attacks. Lymphangiography can also be done. In this procedure, a radiopaque dye is inserted into the lymphatic system, if it is found that abnormalities in X-ray examination. If not Hodgkin's lymphoma is diagnosed, bone marrow studies and CT scans may be a transfer.

Medical Treatments

Until recently, most lymphomas always fatal. Today, many can be cured, especially if treated early. Hodgkin's disease, for example, often a response to radiotherapy alone. Or the patient may be a combination of radiation and chemotherapy and possibly surgery. Hodgkin's disease is now one of the most treatable forms of cancer, 77 percent of patients are still alive five years after diagnosis. For non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, radiation therapy is common. Chemotherapy can also be used, particularly if the disease has spread. If remission was achieved, a bone marrow transplant can be attempted. This means the destruction of the bone marrow of patients with drugs or radiation and replacing it with healthy bone marrow from a donor. Bone marrow may also be made by the patient in remission, treated to destroy any remaining cancer cells, and then frozen for use later should lead to a relapse. Marrow Transplant May Cure's lymphoma, but there is an increased risk of infection through the use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of donor bone marrow. New approaches are also used for the treatment of lymphoma patients after a relapse. These include the use of highly specific monoclonal antibody against lymphoma cells, and improved methods for the preservation and bone marrow transplantation.

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture and acupressure

These techniques are usually done by the doctors as a complement to medical treatment for pain and stress.

Herbal Medicine

Teas or extracts of Siberian Ginseng, Sarsaparilla, and wild Oregon grape can minimize negative side effects of chemotherapy. Chinese ginseng can Kräuterkundige, Bupleurum, and Longan Herbal combination used to treat manifestations of lymphoma, including anemia, fatigue, and an enlarged spleen. An herbal preparation called Golden Yellow powder is used for an inflammation of the skin caused by irradiation.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis and self hypnosis are employed to convey pain and a positive attitude, which many experts believe will facilitate the medical treatment. These methods, along with meditation, can also reduce stress.

Nutritional Therapy

Nutritionists recommend that foods containing an anti-cancer effect. Topping the list are those given beta-carotene, a precursor to the antioxidant vitamin A, which studies suggest helps the body fight against cancer. Foods with a high beta-carotene are yellow and dark green vegetables such as carrots and broccoli. Although some nutritionists also recommend supplements of antioxidants, food sources are more effective.

Visualization

This promotes relaxation, to think about a positive effect on the immune system. It can be combined with image-guided, with the presentation of the body's own immune system destroys the cancer cells.

Self-treatment

Self Care is aimed at addressing the effects of treatment. Fatigue is, it is important to plan frequent rest periods.

Other causes of the symptoms of lymphoma

Enlarged lymph nodes, fever and other symptoms including lymphoma leukemia, mononucleosis, and AIDS.

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