Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is a white blood cell cancer that originates in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system and are located in lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues such as the spleen and bone marrow. Other cancers may begin in other areas of the body and eventually spread to the lymph nodes, but what differentiates Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is that the cancer or tumor begins in the lymph nodes or lymphoid tissues.
To better understand how Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma works and affects the body, it helps to have a deeper comprehension of the lymph system. The lymph system is composed of lymphoid tissue, lymph vessels and a clear fluid called lymph. Lymphoid tissue consists of many types of immune system cells that work collectively to help the body fight infection.
Lymphocytes are the cells inside lymphoid tissue and are a type of white blood cell. The two primary types of lymphocytes are B-cells and T-cells. Both types can develop into lymphoma cells, but B-cell lymphomas are more common. Both cells serve different purposes within the immune system. B-cells exist to protect the body against bacteria or viruses by making proteins called antibodies. There are many types of T-cells, each with a different function. Some T-cells serve to protect the body from viruses, fungi and some bacteria by destroying the infected cells. T-cells also release substances called cytokines to attract other white blood cells and then eliminate the infected cells. T-cells are also known to destroy some types of cancer cells. Some types of T-cells are responsible for either boosting or slowing the immune system. Depending on the type of lymphoma a patient has, treatment may vary, so it is important for doctors to determine exactly which type of lymphoma is present.
Lymphoid Tissue is Located In Many Parts of the Body
Lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are similar to veins, only they carry lymph and immune system cells instead of blood. The nodes are connected by a system of lymphatic vessels and are located throughout the body. When the body is fighting infection, lymph nodes grow in size in reaction. An enlarged lymph node is a common symptom of lymphoma.
Spleen
The spleen is responsible for creating lymphocytes and other immune system cells to help fight off infection in the body. The spleen serves to store healthy blood cells and to filter out damaged blood cells, bacteria and cell waste. The spleen is located on the left side of the body under the lower part of the rib cage and weighs about 5 ounces.
Thymus gland
The thymus plays a small role in immune system function after birth, but is very vital in developing T lymphocytes before birth. The reason the role of the thymus decreases after birth is because the gland shrinks. It is located behind the upper part of the breastbone and in front of the heart.
Adenoids & Tonsils
These types of lymphoid tissues assist the body in making antibodies against germs that are breathed in or swallowed. Because of the location of these lymphoid tissues, it is easy for doctors to notice when they are enlarged and it helps in diagnosing infection or cancer.
Digestive Tract
Lymphoid tissue exists in the stomach and intestines and is sometimes referred to as gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Approximately 70% of the immune system functions in the digestive tract. The digestive tract stores T and B lymphocyte immune cells, which attack and defend the body against infections.
Bone Marrow
Many types of lymphomas begin in the bone marrow, where lymphocytes are located. Bone marrow is the soft inside of certain bones that produces red blood cells, blood platelets, and white blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the entire body; platelets are responsible for healing, and white blood cells fight infections. Lymphocytes are one of the two main types of white blood cells and are primarily B-cells.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the lymph system and its role in preventing infection, it can be easier to understand exactly what Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is and why it develops. Lymphocytes travel throughout the body through a network of lymph vessels attempting to attack foreign cells or infections and serve to protect the body's immune system. When someone develops Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, however, there is a development of a cancer cell in the lymph system that divides and grows into more cancer cells that join and form tumors in the lymph nodes or wherever else they travel throughout the lymph system.
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