Understanding the Molecular and Genetic Basis of Lymphoma

Introduction:

Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the part of the body that is effective against disease causing foreign bodies. The lymphatic system consists of the lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus. Lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell, are affected in lymphoma. In lymphoma, the lymphocytes begin to multiply and proliferate abnormally.

How Is Lymphoma Defined?

Lymphoma is a general term for malignant growth that affects the lymphatic framework. There are two classes of lymphoma: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Both of these types are different from each other. They affect different cells of the lymphatic system. The age of occurrence of these lymphomas is also different. Hodgkins lymphoma is characterized by the presence of reed sternberg cells in the blood investigation.

Under these two classifications, scientists have discovered other types of lymphomas. Lymphomas can influence any organ of the lymphatic framework, including:

• Bone marrow.

• Spleen.

• Lymph nodes.

• Tonsils.

• Thymus.

What Causes Lymphoma?

The exact cause of lymphoma is not predictable. One may be at a greater risk of developing lymphoma if they have any of the following:

• Older adults who are 60 years or above are at a greater risk of having Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

• People between the age of 15 and 40 years are at a greater risk of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

• Lymphoma has a male gender predilection.

• Any condition that affects the immune system such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

• Any autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune condition of the knee), Sjögren's disorder (autoimmune condition of the salivary glands), SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), or celiac disease (inflammatory condition of the intestines).

• Have been contaminated with an infection like Epstein-Barr, hepatitis C, or human immune system microorganism leukemia/lymphoma (HTLV-1).

• Family history of lymphoma.

• The person has a history of exposure to benzene or synthetic compounds that kill bugs and weeds.

• Were treated for Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma previously.

• Were treated for disease with radiation.

What Is the Molecular Basis of Lymphoma?

Lymphocytes (the cells from which lymphomas start) are protective and proactive in nature. Hence, lymphoma is seen in patients with other immune-related disorders, such as autoimmune conditions. Changes with respect to the immune system have shown to pave the way for lymphoma, such as:

• Conditions of Immune Deficiencies: People with weakened immune system have a higher chance of developing lymphoma than their healthier counterparts. Such can be observed in the case of HIV infection,organ transplant, and immunomodulatory drugs.

• Autoimmune Conditions: People with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• Chronic Infective Conditions: Individuals with specific persistent infections are likewise at increased risk of lymphoma. This is as the white blood cells are constantly being produced to fight some infection or the other.

What Is the Genetic Basis of Lymphoma?

Researchers have made a great deal of headway in understanding how certain progressions in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) can make typical lymphocytes become lymphoma cells. DNA is the compound in our cells that makes up our qualities, which control our cells capabilities. DNA is basically an inherited complex. Genes are responsible for the growth and development of all cells. These cells include:

• Genes that are responsible for the normal growth and division of cells are known as oncogenes.

• Genes that control the death of cells are known as tumor oncogenes.

Malignant growths can be brought about by DNA transformations (changes) that turn on oncogenes or by stopping the action of tumor suppressor genes. Certain individuals acquire DNA transformations from a parent that increase their risk for certain sorts of malignant growth. Having a family history of lymphoma (Hodgkin's lymphoma, Non Hodgkin lymphoma, CLL) appears to put a person at a greater risk for developing lymphoma.

Genetic changes that are associated with Non- hodgkin’s lymphoma are seen as being acquired during one’s lifetime rather than inherited. These genetic mutations could be brought about by any exposure to radiation, exposure to other synthetic chemicals, infections, or without any underlying reasons as well. They appear to happen all the more frequently as one ages, which could help make sense of why most lymphomas are seen in more older adults.

Some of the genetic changes that cause lymphoma are currently known. For instance, in follicular lymphoma, the cells frequently have an interchange of DNA (known as a movement) between chromosomes (the genetic material in the DNA) 14 and 18, which turns on the BCL-2 oncogene. This oncogene causes the cells to multiply endlessly, causing cancer.

Researchers are finding out a lot about the specific quality changes engaged with the various types of lymphoma. This data is being utilized to foster more exact tests to identify and order particular kinds of lymphoma. Ideally, these disclosures can be utilized to foster new medicines as well.

What Are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?

The various symptoms of lymphoma include:

• Swollen lymph nodes that are found in the neck, armpit, and the groin.

• Constant low grade fever.

• Breathing problems.

• Persistent cough.

• Weight loss.

• Night sweats.

• Exhaustion and fatigue.

A significant number of these symptoms can likewise be indications of different diseases. Hence, it is always advisable to consult one’s physician for a better prognosis.

How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed?

The doctor asks questions to check the patient’s symptoms before going in for physical diagnostic procedures. The doctor will perform a physical test to check for swollen lymph nodes. A swollen lymph node does not always indicate cancer. The swelling of lymph nodes could also be caused due to various infections. If the other symptoms also match, the doctor may opt for a biopsy to check for cancer cells in the lymph nodes. This biopsy specimen will be analyzed by a histopathologist. The various diagnostic tests used to diagnose lymphoma are:

• Complete blood count.

• Blood chemistry.

• Lymph node biopsy.

• Biopsy of the bone marrow.

• CT (computed tomography).

• PET (positron emission tomography) scan.

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan.

• Lumbar puncture.

How Is Lymphoma Treated?

Lymphoma is treated by a combination of the following methods:

• Chemotherapy: It is the treatment that uses various drugs to kill the cancer causing cells.

• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses radiations to target cancerous cells and kill them.

• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is an advanced method of cancer treatment that aims at killing the cancerous cells without targeting the normal cells.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that involves the stimulation of the body's own mechanism to fight against the cancer cells.

• Bone Marrow Transplant: This type of treatment involves transplanting the bone marrow with donor tissue and hence preventing the cancerous proliferation.

Conclusion:

Lymphoma is the cancer that affects the lymphatic framework. Lymphoma affects the genetic framework of normal tissue and results in abnormal proliferation of the white blood cells. The symptoms of this condition are very similar to other conditions. Hence, a result check-up with one's personal physician helps in diagnosing many conditions at the earliest.