translated from Spanish: September 15: World Lymphoma Day

Since its launch in 2004, it’s a dedicated day especially to raise awareness and this year its campaign is “Small Things Build Confidence” and invites everyone to do something small to support people living with Lymphoma sharing a message on social media with the hashtag #WLAD2019 helping the international tree of trust grow.What is Lymphoma? It is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system, helping to protect us from bacteria, viruses and unwanted substances. Most of the time, we are not aware of the inner function of the lymphatic system unless the lymph nodes become inflamed and increase in size. This usually occurs during diseases and is an indicator that the lymphatic system is working to filter harmful substances and expel them from the body. There are many types of lymphoma, one type called Hodgkin’s disease, the rest is known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The most common symptom is painless inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Hodgkin lymphomas begin when a type of white blood cell, called T cells or B cells, becomes abnormal, the cells divide again and again by increasing the number of abnormal cells. Abnormal cells can spread to almost every other part of the body. The exact causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are not yet clear. Lymphoma is not contagious, but some risk factors have been identified, such as: Having conditions that weaken the immune system, such as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Taking immune system depressant medications after an organ transplant.
Exposure to certain viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (which usually causes mononucleosis), hepatitis C virus, and others.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): Bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers. These bacteria also increase the risk of lymphoma in the lining of the stomach.
Having a sibling affected by the disease.

The subtype is determined through testing with a specialist doctor.

Although non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can occur in young people, the chance of developing the disease increases with age, most people with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are over 60 years of age. The most common symptoms are swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
Unexplained weight loss.
Fever.
Profuse night sweating.
Coughing, shortness of breath or chest pain.
Weakness and tiredness that does not go away.
Abdominal swelling, swelling or swelling.
Always consult your family doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment. In this note:

Original source in Spanish