The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system that helps fight off infections. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancerous disease that affects this essential component of the immune system and that can spread to other organs. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or NHL, can cause an unusual formation of white blood cells, which collect and grow in abundance. Typically, white blood cells mature, play their role in the body’s defenses, and then die over a fairly set time span, with the body creating an ongoing supply of these cells. But with this unusual growth, white blood cells can multiply, form together, and create tumors anywhere in the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can develop for a variety of reasons, including problems with T-cell neoplasms. T-cells are immune-system cells that directly combat bacteria, viruses, and other foreign entities harmful to the body.
The cancer specialists and other clinicians of Regional Cancer Care Associates have considerable expertise and experience in treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including rarer types of this cancer. With more than 20 care centers in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area, RCCA offers patients comprehensive, cutting-edge care they need in locations convenient for them. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma below
There are many types of T-cell lymphomas, and symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Individuals in the early stages of the disease may not know they have a T-cell lymphoma. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms can emerge. Common signs of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas represent a common form of the disease. They affect the skin, although they can spread to other organs. Forms of T-cell lymphoma that initially or primarily affect the skin include:
This type of lymphoma mainly impacts the skin. It can develop once a patient’s white blood cells become cancerous. Mycosis fungoides can alter the look and feel of the skin and potentially spread to the lymph nodes and other organs.
This is a rare and severe T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects mainly young adults or children. In some cases, adults can also receive an official diagnosis as they reach an older age and symptoms worsen.
This is a more severe form of T-cell lymphoma, causing abundant cancerous cells to collect on the skin. As Sezary syndrome progresses, it can spread into the bloodstream, lymph nodes, and other essential body parts.
There also are other forms of T-cell lymphoma, including:
This rare form of T-cell lymphoma includes:
This is a T-cell lymphoma that arises from NK-cells. These cells are immune cells and have some of the same attributes as T-cells. This form of lymphoma typically arises in the sinuses, but it can also affect the gastrointestinal tract or windpipe. NK-cell lymphoma may not cause significant symptoms in its early stages, but it can quickly worsen and become aggressive.
A thorough personal and family history, comprehensive examination, and blood work typically are the starting points in evaluating patients whose symptoms may indicate the presence of a T-cell lymphoma or other cancer. Physicians also may order imaging studies to look closely at an affected area. These studies may include computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
To make a definitive diagnosis, physicians may conduct further testing, such as:
At Regional Cancer Care Associates, our specialists use the latest therapies to treat the full range of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Based on the type and severity of a patient’s lymphoma, physicians may pursue one or more treatment options, including:
Serving patients in NJ, CT, MD, and the Washington D.C. area, Regional Cancer Care Associates provides comprehensive, compassionate care in convenient settings. To learn more about mature T-cell neoplasm non-Hodgkin lymphoma, contact us today.
If you or a loved one is battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you aren’t alone. Our experts at Regional Cancer Care Associates are dedicated to delivering accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. To find out more or make an appointment, get in touch with us at one of our locations throughout Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey.
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