Lymphoma is a malignant condition of the body's lymphatic system and comprises two main types: Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and Hodgkins Disease.
Non Hodgkins Lymphoma is a highly malignant cancer and the latest published figures (1998) show that it is increasing at the rate of 5% per year; that there are 8,000 new cases every year and 4,500 die from this cancer every 12 months. It is the 6th fastest growing cancer in the UK and a high proportion of those diagnosed are in the 18-25 age group.
Low-grade lymphomas, which usually occur in older people, often grow slowly and may be observed without treatment. Non Hodgkins lymphoma and Hodgkins disease (high grade lymphomas) always need treatment.
In an article in the Daily Telegraph it stated:
Quote: American specialists believe that Non Hodgkins Lymphoma might be analogous to the growth of lung cancer 30 years ago when the cause was equally mysterious, unquote.
At the recent time the treatment being used consists of
chemotherapy and radiotherapy and finally, in some cases, a bone marrow
transplant. High dose chemotherapy with bone marrow transplantation may
cure some patients; but even with this intensive therapy some patients
still relapse. In non Hodgkins lymphoma 60% of patients will have a relapse.
In addition, one of the disadvantages of high dose therapy is the damage
to normal organs as a result of the treatment.
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