Q1. I can feel lymph lumps in my neck. Do I have lymphoma?
The lumps in the neck may not be lymph nodes. Even if it is a swollen lymph node, it does not necessarily have to do with lymphoma. There are many types of lymphoma, and they should be investigated carefully. Better seek medical attention if you have any concerns. Undergo a thorough examination to check if other lymph nodes in the body are affected and if the spleen is enlarged. A whole-body scan may be needed, and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Biopsies can be carried out in various ways, such as a fine needle aspiration biopsy for non-haematologic cancers. If lymphatic cancer is suspected, for accurate diagnosis a core needle biopsy is performed to obtain more tissue samples, or the entire lymph node.
Q2. What is lymphoma? What is the difference between acute and chronic cancer?
Lymphoma develops when the lymph cells become cancerous, most often in the lymph nodes. As lymphocytes circulate around the body, lymphoma may affect other organs and tissues. Diagnosis must be made carefully as there are over a hundred types of lymphoma. Acute types can develop quickly, while chronic types progress more slowly. As treatment and medication vary with the type of lymphoma, an accurate pathological analysis for classification is of paramount importance. An effective biopsy is therefore indispensable.
Q3. What are the treatments for lymphoma?
While lymphoma is mostly treated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy and monoclonal antibodies are now used in combination and show good outcomes in cancer control. Different monoclonal antibodies and chemotherapy drugs are used in combination to treat different types of lymphoma. An accurate diagnosis is therefore crucial.
Q4. Can lymphatic massage help prevent lymphoma? Or does it spread the cancer cells?
Lymphatic massage is often related to some misconceptions. Our lymphatic system has two primary functions. Firstly, as part of our immune system, lymphocytes can kill bacteria. Secondly, for the circulation, the lymphatic system allows the return of fluids from the limbs to the heart. Lymphatic massage may facilitate circulation, but it is not as claimed related to the immune system, nor lymphoma.
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