The human body is made of multiple cells, and some of them capture bacteria by acting as filters and fighting infections. These are known as lymphocytes. They are often found in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen. If you are suffering from lymphoma, it means that these cells are growing and increasing out of control. But how do the cells that are protecting our body from infections end up becoming cancerous? Let’s find out.

How is lymphoma cancer different?
In cancer that affects the other parts of the body, the cancerous cells may either respond to treatment or not. Still, in the case of lymphoma cancer, every type of lymphoma grows in the body at a rate that is different from the other and responds very differently to treatments. The two different types of lymphoma are:

• Non-Hodgkin
• Hodgkin

This illness is treatable, but you must first know what type it is and what part of the lymphatic system has been affected. These include:

• Tonsils
• Thymus
• Spleen
• Lymph nodes

What are the symptoms of lymphoma cancer?
Not many significant symptoms in this illness’s early stages can often lead to a misdiagnosis. But if one has been suffering from a persistent symptom for an extended period, then they should probably pay a visit to a healthcare expert. Some of the warning signs of lymphoma include:

• Swollen lymph nodes/glands
  A painless swelling in the armpit, neck, or groin is mainly a sign of lymphoma cancer. If one has been noticing swelling in any body parts, it is better to get yourself checked up in the early stages and not delay it any further.
• Fatigue
  Any illness comes with its share of tiredness. If one has been suffering from fatigue for a long time, then they should probably get themselves checked to find the underlying cause of the issue.
• Shortness of breath
  When one has undertaken any strenuous physical activity, then shortness of breath does follow. But if the slightest of movements have been the reason one has been having difficulty breathing, then it is advised to visit a healthcare expert.

As lymphoma cancer affects different parts of the lymphatic system, some of the other signs of the illness can also be:

• Stomach pain
• Appetite loss
• Cough
• Itchy Skin

Risk factors of lymphoma cancer
Lymphoma cancer is widely divided into Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma ( NHL) and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Depending on the type, multiple factors might put you at risk of suffering from the illness.

Some risk factors of NHL are:

Autoimmune disease
If one suffers from any autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, then they are more prone to lymphoma cancer.

Weak immune system
If one has a weak immune system or have recently had an organ transplant, then that puts them at further risk of suffering from lymphoma.

Exposure to chemicals/radiation
People with increased exposure to chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, and aradiation are more likely to suffer from the illness compared to others.

The risk factors of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are:

Family
If anyone in the family has suffered from the illness in the past, then it is very much likely that it might be passed on to one hereditarily with an increased risk. Hence, it is advised to get oneself checked regularly for such illnesses.

Sex
Men are more susceptible to this type of cancer than women, causing an alarm. But if one gets regular checkups done, then there is not much need for concern.

Age
People in the age group 0f 20-30 years or above 55 are more likely to suffer from lymphoma cancer compared to the other age groups.

Can you prevent lymphoma cancer?
As lymphoma cancer affects the white blood cells known as lymphocytes, there is no definite way to prevent the illness, but there are some ways through which one can lessen the chances of you suffering from it in the future. They are:

Losing weight
Being overweight or not being fit might lead to contracting infections that might put one at harm. So, it is advised to maintain a healthy weight with the help of healthy food, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Avoid processed meat
Any type of processed food only weakens the immune system, thus inviting infections that can, in the end, make them weak and more susceptible to illnesses.

Sugary drinks
Any drinks that have added sugars and preservatives are a strict no, as they cause an imbalance in the body by increasing sugar levels, causing further problems later.