leukemia and lymphom

Leukemia and lymphoma

What is leukemia and lymphoma?
Leukemia and lymphoma are blood cancers. Leukemia originates in the bone marrow, which
Produces blood cells, and lymphoma appears in the lymphatic system, which works with the system
Immune system to help the body defend itself against disease.
Cancer is a disease that develops in the cells and makes them behave unusual.
Instead of growing, functioning, reproducing and dying according to a normal cycle, cancer cells
Multiply and divide in an uncontrolled way. When cancer affects an organ, abnormal cells
result in the formation of a mass called a tumor. This is not the case with leukemia and lymphoma, since
Abnormal cells circulate rather in the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system.
There are 4 types of leukemia:
• Acute myeloid leukemia (LMA);
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (all);
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML);
• Chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (LLC).
Acute leukemia evolves rapidly in the absence of treatment, while chronic leukemia develops
More slowly than the acute form. The term myeloid means that the cancer develops from the cells of
The bone marrow, where the cells and blood platelets are made. The term lymphoblastic means
That cancer is born in cells that produce lymphocytes, a particular type of white blood cells.
There are two main types of lymphoma:
• Hodgkin's lymphoma;
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Hodgkin's lymphoma (or Hodgkin's disease) differs from other types of lymphoma in part by the
Presence of reed-Sternberg cells, giant malignant cells discovered by reed scientists
and Sternberg, hence the name given to these cells. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a diverse group of
Lymphomas, each with unique characteristics.
are leukemia and lymphoma common?
According to statistics Canada data, it is estimated that 186 400 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed
In Canada in 2012. Of this number, there are 8750 cases of lymphoma and 5600 cases of leukemia. In adults,
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Acute myeloid leukemia are the most common forms of leukemia, so
That in children, chronic lymphoid leukemia is most often diagnosed. Non-lymphoma
Hodgkin's is much more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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Leukemia and lymphoma
Who is likely to be affected by leukemia and lymphoma?
Leukemia and lymphoma may occur at any age; However, leukemia is more common from
60 years. Lymphoma tends to be a little more common in men.
We don't know the exact causes of these blood cancers. Certain risk factors, listed below,
have been identified for each of these diseases. Leukemia and lymphoma can sometimes develop in
The absence of known risk factors.
Leukemia risk factors Risk factors for Hodgkin's lymphoma
Older people previous Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis)
Previous treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy HIV Infection (human immunodeficiency virus)
Exposure to high doses of radiation (e.g., following
Radioactive fallout)Family history of Hodgkin's lymphoma
Exposure to chemical substances such as benzene risk factors
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Smoking male and older people
Some genetic diseases or abnormalities (such as
Down syndrome)
Weakened immune system due to drug intake
Immunosuppressive drugs, HIV/AIDS infection and
Auto-immune diseases
Family history Infection with Epstein-Barr virus or lymphoma virus
Human T-cell (HTLV-1)
Blood disease like myelodysplastic syndrome exposure to pesticides
Previous viral Infection, in particular by the virus
Human T-cell lymphoma (HTLV-1)
Previous treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy
How do you warn leukemia and lymphoma?
Since we do not know the causes of these cancers, it is difficult to know how they can be
Prevent. That said, try to avoid the known risk factors on which you have control, for example
Smoking. However, it should be known that most people who present these risk factors do not develop
Not necessarily leukemia or lymphoma, while others who have no risk factors will be
Affected by one of these cancers.
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Leukemia and lymphoma
What are the signs and symptoms of leukemia and lymphoma?
The signs and symptoms of blood cancer vary depending on the type of cancer. In the case of leukemia, the
Signs and symptoms differ depending on whether the leukemia is chronic or acute.
Acute forms of leukemia (acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia) settle very
Quickly and the signs show up early. When the amount of normal white blood cells is insufficient in the
Your blood (disease called neutropenia), you will be more likely to have infections. If you miss
Red blood cells, you may suffer from anemia; Anemia can result in high fatigue,
Shortness of breath and paleness. A deficiency of blood platelets (so-called thrombocytopenia) can
Cause unusual bleeding, bruising (bruises) or small red or purple dots on your
Skin, especially on the arms and legs. Other general symptoms of acute leukemia include:
• Fever;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• A general feeling of discomfort;
• sore throats;
• swelling of the gums;
• Intense night sweats;
• headaches
• vomiting;
• Vision Disorders
• Pain in the bones or joints;
• Swelling (not painful) of the lymph nodes.
In the early stages of chronic leukemia (chronic lymphoblastic leukemia and myeloid leukemia
It is possible to feel no symptoms, leukemic cells working roughly
Normally. Chronic leukemia is most commonly detected in a routine blood test. When they
Begin to manifest, the symptoms are mild and worsen gradually. They may include
Following effects:
• Fatigue;
• A general feeling of discomfort;
• Loss of appetite;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Intense night sweats;
• Swelling (not painful) of the lymph nodes.
It should be noted that the general symptoms of leukemia are not very specific; In fact, often they can
be caused by other health problems, such as flu or some other type of infection.
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Leukemia and lymphoma
Regardless of the type of lymphoma, the signs and symptoms are almost identical. Gland swelling
In the neck or armpits is the most common symptom. The only difference is
That a swollen ganglion can be found in the groin area in the case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and in
The chest, in the case of Hodgkin's lymphoma. As the lymph nodes usually cause no pain
In the early stages of the disease, they are often discovered during a routine examination. The other
Symptoms include:

• Unexplained weight loss;
• Unexplained fever;
• Intense night sweats;
• Lack of energy and fatigue
• Itchy skin.
As in the case of leukemia, lymphoma-related symptoms often have other causes, for example
Flu or some other type of infection.
How do you establish the diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma?
To confirm a diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma, a sample of cells is taken from the
Suspected abnormal. In the case of leukemia, blood and bone marrow cells are examined and
In the case of lymphoma, lymph node cells.
The diagnosis of leukemia is based first on a CBC. This blood test, used to
To detect many other diseases, it is possible to check if there is an abnormal number of red blood cells,
of white blood cells and platelets in the blood and to determine whether the blood sample contains
Leukemia. A bone marrow biopsy is often necessary to establish the diagnosis with certainty
And find other anomalies that can help determine the type of leukemia that is involved. This intervention
is to collect a marrow sample from the inside of a bone using a needle, usually in the back of
The hip bone. The biopsy is usually performed in a clinic or hospital; It is not necessary
To spend the night in the establishment. It is important to know whether it is acute or chronic leukemia, or
of myeloid leukemia or lymphoblastic, because that is what orients the choice of treatment.
Once the leukemia diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will determine the subtype of leukemia you are suffering from.
The subtype is based on the unique characteristics of the leukemic cells when examined under the microscope.
For example, acute lymphoblastic leukemia is divided into subtypes according to the type of lymphocytes involved
(B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes) and the degree of maturity of the cells.
A lymph node biopsy is needed to diagnose lymphoma. Your doctor will
Will pass other tests to better understand the type of lymphoma you are suffering from, locate the
Cancer in your body and check how well the disease has spread (this last analysis is called
Determination of the stage of cancer). These tests may include blood tests, a biopsy of the
Bone marrow and an imaging examination such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to see if cancer
has invaded tissues or organs.
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Leukemia and lymphoma
The stages of lymphoma
Stage 1 cancer is present in a single group of lymph nodes.
Stage 2 cancer is present in two or more groups of lymph nodes located on the same side of the diaphragm
(either above or below). The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the thorax from the abdomen.
Stage 3 cancer is present in both ganglion groups located above and in groups
Ganglion located below the diaphragm.Stage 4
Cancer has spread to at least one organ or tissues outside the lymphatic system,
For example the liver, bones, lungs or bone marrow. We can find or not cells
Cancers in the surrounding lymph nodes of affected organs or tissues.
In addition to the figure describing the stage of the cancer, the doctor may assign one or more of the following letters
corresponding to your type of lymphoma in order to specify the description.
E (for
Extraganglionnaire)
The cancer has spread to a region or organ other than the lymph nodes or to
Tissues outside the lymphatic system.
S (for spleen, name
English of the spleen)
The spleen is also affected.
A marks the absence of specific symptoms (fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss).
B indicates the presence of specific symptoms (fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss).
Another type of classification (called grade) is used for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which allows
To evaluate the rate at which cancer evolves.
Grade
Lymphoma
Indolent
Indolent lymphomas tend to grow very slowly. They may require only one
Minimal treatment or even no treatment for months or even years.
Usually they are only treated with the onset of symptoms. Indolent lymphomas can
Shrink or sometimes seem to disappear as a result of treatment, but recurrences are not uncommon.
Lymphoma
Aggressive
Aggressive lymphomas develop rapidly. Usually they cause symptoms
and must be dealt with without delay. Aggressive lymphomas can sometimes be cured by means of a
Intensive chemotherapy.
It is important for your healthcare team to know the type of blood cancer you are suffering and its
Stage and its rank in order to choose the treatment that suits you best.
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Leukemia and lymphoma
How is leukemia and lymphoma treated?
Members of your healthcare team must consider many things when it comes to
Choose the treatment you should use to fight your cancer. They will take into account the type, subtype, stage
And the degree of cancer, as well as your general health. We'll decide whether to administer a
Or more of the following treatments. In addition, we will assess the side effects that you may feel
With each of these treatments. The final decision will be made in collaboration with you.
The different treatments of leukemia and lymphoma
Type of treatment lymphoma leukemia
Hodgkin
Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's
Vigilant Observation – no treatment is given
In the immediate future; The evolution of cancer is followed very closely by
The healthcare team. Treatment is envisaged if signs of
Leukemia appear or evolve.
A (LLC) a (indolent-a)
Chemotherapy – chemotherapy is administered by injection
In the form of tablets to prevent the development of
And the spread of cancer cells. However, this treatment
Can damage healthy cells and cause effects
Secondary schools such as nausea, vomiting,
Fatigue, hair loss and increased risk of infection.Chemotherapy can be associated with other treatments.
A A A
Radiotherapy – radiation therapy, also known as
External radiation therapy, is a type of treatment using a
A large device that allows a beam of rays to be directed to a
Precise place of the body, like a tumor. The radiation
can also damage healthy cells that are
In the trajectory of the beam. Side effects
Depend on the part of the body that is being treated. You could
Feeling tired and having diarrhea The skin can be
Red and sensitive to the treated place.
A A A
Stem cell transplant – blood cells are
Develop from stem cells of the marrow
Bone and blood. Chemotherapy at high doses, which
One usually uses to treat a recurrence of cancer,
Destroys most of these cells. We will be able to graft
Cells taken from your own marrow or those of a
Compatible donor to replace the cells destroyed by the
Treatment. A stem cell transplant is an intervention
Complex carried out by qualified specialists and in
Special conditions. This may take several months before
To recover from such an intervention.
A A A
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Leukemia and lymphoma
Biological therapy-injections of substances produced
Naturally by the body or from medicines made to
From these substances to strengthen the capacity of the system
Immune to fight cancer or to help control the
Side effects of other treatments. We are currently using
Two forms of biological therapy in the treatment
of leukemia (monoclonal antibodies and interferon alfa)
And one in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (
Monoclonal antibodies). Side effects include
Symptoms similar to those of the flu and rarely
Serious effects, such as severe skin rashes,
Respiratory problems and lower blood pressure.
A (depending on the type
of leukemia)
Has
Targeted treatments-these are drugs that
Attacking specific types of cancer cells
Without damaging healthy cells: for example, inhibitors
Growth of cells influences growth
And the division of cancer cells. In general, the effects
At the beginning of the treatment and can be
As the treatment advances.
A (not the LLC)
Parallel and complementary treatments-treatments
Complementary are non-traditional treatments
That we use at the same time as traditional treatments,
While parallel treatments are used instead
Traditional treatments. In general, the safety and effectiveness
Of these treatments have not been demonstrated.
A A A
Clinical study-Your health care team may experience a
New treatment that is evaluated in the context of a study
Clinic and recommend that you take part in this study
To receive this new treatment.
A A A
Living with leukemia and lymphoma
Each person lives in a unique situation in the face of cancer. You will react in your own way to the diagnosis,
Treatment and follow-up. That said, you will have to organize your life in a different way to adapt to the
Many changes in cancer treatment, making difficult decisions and managing a wide range of
Range of emotions, both yours and those of your loved ones. Here are some tips and factors to take
into consideration to help you throughout your fight against cancer:
• Introduce yourself to all your doctor's appointments.

• Ask for support from your care team, even emotional support.
• Follow the advice of your healthcare team.
• Eat in a balanced manner; When you feel you are less hungry, eat less at a time,
But more often.
• Inform your doctor of any new symptoms or adverse reactions you may experience.
• If you smoke, quit smoking. Ask for help to quit smoking.
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Leukemia and lymphoma
• Alternate periods of rest and activity to conserve your energy.
• Continue to see your family doctor.
• Speak openly with family members and friends and accept the help they offer you.
• If you begin to feel very depressed, do not hesitate to ask for help.
• Keep a positive attitude.
Learning as much as you can about your illness and actively working with
The health care that you provide is an effective way to take control of your life. You will find a
A wealth of information around you that might be useful to you. You can start by consulting
Some of the following websites.
Patient and caregiver Accountability
Patients and caregivers can visit the following Internet sites to learn more about
Leukemia and lymphoma, the symptoms of these diseases, the treatments offered, as well as the
Recent scientific discoveries in this area.