Types of lymphomas:
Hodgkin's disease
Cancer of the lymphatic system. Tumors affect the lymph nodes
that are close to the body's surface such as the neck, armpit,
chest and groin area.
Incidence
Most common form of lymphomas, accounting 16% of adolescent
cancers. Occurs mainly in young adults and in people over age
65.
Treatment
Mainly involves chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy.
Follow up
Hodgkin's disease survival rate is 90%. Long term follow up is
important as there is a small risk of developing a secondary cancer
later in life as a result of earlier treatment.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)
Cancer of the lymphatic system that do not have the features of
Hodgkin's disease. NHL affects the lymph nodes that are deeper in
the body. There are two main types of NHL: B cell NHL and T cell
NHL. B cell NHL usually affects the lymph nodes in the neck, head,
throat and abdomen. T cell NHL usually affects the lymph nodes in
the chest.
Incidence
Occurs most often in ages 10 to 20, accounting for 8% of all
adolescent cancers.
Treatment
Chemotherapy is the main treatment for NHL. T cell NHL treatment
takes place over two years while treatment for B cell NHL is a lot
shorter. Short term and long term side effects are associated with
NHL treatment.
Follow up
Regular follow up will take place in the hospital outpatients
department. Successful treatment will depend on the type and stage
of lymphoma. 69% of adolescents with NHL survive.