Lymphoma, a blood cancer, attacks the immune system by the uncontrollable growth of lymphocytes, white blood cells, and is divided into Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Cancerous lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes (B-cells) and T-lymphocytes (T-cells), travel throughout the body and form tumors. Most NHLs and Hodgkin's are B cell lymphomas. Hodgkin's and NHLs receive different treatments. NHL can be either indolent (slow-growing) or aggressive. There are many different types of T cell and B cell lymphomas.
Swollen lymph nodes, rashes and fevers are common symptoms, but because there are so many different lymphomas, starting in different parts of the body, the first symptoms vary. Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma is a skin cancer affecting 2-3% of NHL patients; it starts as a rash, forms lesions and eventually spreads to other parts of the body. There are many types of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma, including Mycosis Fungoides (Alibert-Bazin syndrome).
Because there are so many types of cancers, the treatments vary. In general, treatments include drugs, chemotherapy and possibly surgery.
The T-Cell Lymphoma Transportation Assistance Fund provides help to T-cell lymphoma patients who need help with gas, tolls etc. and is funded by The Lymphoma Research Foundations.
Sorafenib and Everolimus plus chemo are being studied for advanced liver, kidney and other cancers. Clinical trials are studying other drugs; anyone interested can contact www.lymphoma.org.
A holistic approach combining Western and Alternative Medicine has helped many. Earth Clinic's cancer and lymphoma pages have many remedies, detailing 'recipes' and treatment details. Strengthening the immune system is critical, especially if radiation treatment has damaged it. Many feel that cancer requires an acidic environment, so they avoid acidic foods and use alkaline supplements and green smoothies. Becoming as healthy as possible to fight the cancer is the goal.