The target of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is represented by two types of white blood cells: B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes, which replicate in a completely uncontrolled and indiscriminate way, causing damage.
Features of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that differentiate it from Hodgkin's lymphoma:
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tends to proliferate easily even in extra-lymphatic sites;
- Absence of Reed-Sternberg cells (important parameter for differential diagnosis);
- Absence of fever and excessive sweating in the acute phase.
in various parts of the body (however, it should be noted that this is a non-specific symptom, as the lymph nodes can also become engorged due to other pathologies, such as, for example, those of an infectious nature); lack of appetite; fever (not during the acute phase); respiratory difficulties; abdominal and back pain; excessive night sweats (advanced stage); widespread itching; tiredness; cough.
- it can include the association with other therapeutic strategies, such as radiation therapy (radiotherapy).
In some cases it is also possible to resort to autologous stem cell transplantation; should this strategy fail, it is also possible to resort to allogeneic stem cell transplantation from compatible close relatives (brothers or sisters) or from a voluntary donor.
Finally, we remind you that some patients may be offered the use of radioimmunotherapy (a treatment that involves the association of monoclonal antibodies with radioactive isotopes: the monoclonal antibody is able to recognize, therefore, to bind to tumor cells which will then be destroyed thanks to in the presence of the radioactive component).
