World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2023:
World Lymphoma Awareness Day is observed every year on September 15.
- Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is a part of the body’s immune system.
- The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, the spleen, tonsils, and the bone marrow.
- Lymphomas are characterised by the abnormal growth and proliferation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which can form tumourstumors in various parts of the body.
- It’s considered a blood cancerbecause the condition starts in white blood cells (lymphocytes) in your lymphatic system.
Lymphomas can be aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow-growing). - It can spread rapidly from the lymph nodes to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. As cancerous lymphocytes spread into other tissues, the immune system cannot defend against infections as effectively.
- The cause of lymphoma is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:
- Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
- Persistent fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itchy skin
- The course of treatment depends on the type of lymphoma a person has and the stage it has reached
