Lymphoma

What is Lymphoma
Lymphoma diagnosis?
Methods of treatment

What is lymphoma

Lymphoma is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic system. It occurs when white blood cells (B and T cells) divide uncontrollably, causing a tumor to develop. Usually, solid tumors form in lymph nodes and internal organs, but in rare cases, lymphoma cells can be found in the blood. Tumors are felt as nodes or lymph glands throughout the body.

Lymphoma types

Lymphomas are primarily divided into two large groups: Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or lymphogranulomatosis, is a special form of lymphoma. It is characterized by predictability – the tumor affects the lymph nodes in a certain, already studied order. At the same time, the disease reacts differently to generally accepted methods of treatment, which should be kept in mind.

Non-Hodgkin’s are a large group of oncological tumors of various types that affect the lymphatic system. They are divided into different types, depending on:

– the type of tumor cells, their appearance, histology under a microscope;

– genetic modifications of tumor cells;

– the form of formation – nodular (cells form into dense clusters) or diffuse (scattered throughout the lymph node or other organ);

– the affected organ. Since the lymph nodes are located throughout the body, lymphoma can affect the liver, stomach, nervous system, and other organs;

– the type of cells from which the tumor formed (B-lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes).

There is no complete and generally accepted classification of lymphomas today, scientists continue research in this area. At the same time, the type of lymphoma plays a secondary role in choosing a treatment method. What is more important is the degree of development of the disease.

Diagnosis of lymphoma?

Lymphoma is usually detected during a routine medical examination when a doctor notices enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin or abdomen. Or in cases where a person notices enlarged nodes and seeks medical attention to check for lymphoma.

Other methods for diagnosing lymphoma include blood tests, X-rays and other images, and biopsy.

A blood test can detect the presence of cancer cells or specific enzymes that are directly related to oncology. Anemia tests are also performed, as they also affect the clinical picture. Blood tests can, to a certain extent, determine the nature and spread of the tumor.

X-rays and other types of (computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) are mandatory if lymphoma is suspected. Images can detect a tumor in different organs and determine its size.

A separate type of examination is lymphangiography. A special contrast agent is injected into the lymphatic system, which allows for a high-quality and clear view of the condition of the lymphatic vessels and nodes.

Methods of treatment

The following methods are used to treat lymphoma: chemotherapy, radiation therapy; biological therapy; bone marrow transplantation. Surgery is only possible to remove metastases; it is not used to remove lymphoma.
.

Chemotherapy is a treatment using drugs that destroy tumor cells. Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses X-rays to target cancer cells, which helps shrink the tumor and destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most common methods of combating non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. They prevent the risk of lymphoma spreading to other organs. Chemotherapy usually involves administering a complex of several drugs, the combination of which is individually compiled by an oncologist for each patient after all tests have been carried out. Chemotherapy is carried out in cycles, usually 4-6 cycles in one course. One cycle lasts several days, followed by several weeks of rest to restore strength.

Radiation therapy is carried out according to indications; the course of treatment lasts several weeks.

Disadvantages of chemotherapy and radiation therapy include: fatigue; nausea; loss of appetite; muscle pain; hair loss; risk of developing ulcers in the mouth, stomach, and intestines.

Bone marrow transplant. High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) is often used to treat lymphoma. In this case, the patient is given very large doses of toxic drugs that kill tumor cells. But the disadvantage of this method is that the bone marrow, a significant part of it, is destroyed along with the cancer cells. Therefore, after the “chemotherapy” the patient undergoes a bone marrow transplant. After such an operation, the patient’s body regains the ability to produce white and red blood cells (leukocytes and erythrocytes).

Bone marrow can be transplanted from:

– a related donor, if the indicators match; a donor from the database, if the data match; the patient himself – in this case, cells are collected from the patient before chemotherapy is administered, and after the course of treatment they are returned.

Biological therapy. Another name for this method is modified biological response therapy, BRMT. The principle of its action is the use of chemicals produced by the patient’s own body. This allows the body to trigger its own immune response to fight the tumor. Many of the BRMT methods are still being used experimentally, but their research shows that they are effective in treating lymphoma.

Advantages of lymphoma treatment abroad.

In the former CIS countries, the effectiveness of cancer treatment is not high enough. The reason is that medical centers are just switching to global treatment standards, and modern protocols have simply not yet been adopted in domestic medical centers, and there is no access to the latest modern methods and technologies. Not all hospitals are equipped with the necessary diagnostic and treatment equipment, such as, for example, a gamma knife or a cyber knife. The clinic staff does not have enough experience in treating complex diagnoses. Many drugs used for chemotherapy are not officially imported into the countries.

Therefore, it is easier and more reliable to contact a foreign clinic. How is the treatment carried out? The standard algorithm of actions is as follows:

– you need to send a request in free form to the selected clinic;

– a coordinator will contact you, who will tell you in detail about the procedure and ask you to send a medical card, test results and images;

– We submit requests to clinics. After receiving responses, we select the best options taking into account the pricing policy, the qualifications of specialists and your requirements. This consultation is free;

– after this you make a decision and if you are ready to start therapy, you go to a Turkish clinic for a full course of treatment.

Cost of treatment in a foreign hospital

The cost of treating lymphoma in a foreign clinic depends on various factors: the type and stage of tumor development, the treatment method used and the number of courses of therapy, the dosage and type of drug. Therefore, no one can tell you the price in advance – it is determined in each case individually. You can send your own request and describe your situation, and then the clinic will provide you with an estimated cost of treatment.

Note that in Turkish clinics the prices are quite low, compared to clinics in Western Europe: 2 times lower than in Germany and 1.5 times lower than in Israel.

Get A Second Opinion

Fill out the form, get a free consultation on the recommended type of treatment in your case.

[contact-form-7 id=”2064″ title=”For articles (treatment)”]

Why Do Patients Choose Turkey for Treatment?

Today, more and more patients from Europe, Asia and the former CIS countries are traveling to Turkey for treatment. In recent years, Turkey has been among the TOP 3 leading countries in international tourism in many destinations.

Modern technologies

Modern equipment and progressive diagnostic methods allow us to identify diseases at early stages with maximum accuracy and provide the most effective treatment.

Qualified professors

All professors we work with have passed international accreditation. Doctors have experience working in the largest medical centers of the world.

Price to quality ratio

Turkey is actively competing with Israel and Germany for leadership in international tourism. Here you can get high quality treatment at lower prices without hidden fees.

Comfort is important

Individual approach and quality of service – this is what distinguishes Turkey from other countries. The main task of clinics is to create the best conditions for physical and emotional treatment.

Working Principle

Organizing treatment in Turkey is quite simple when you know exactly who to contact and how to make a choice with a variety of offers and options.
We will help you find individual offers.
The final choice is always yours

You are leaving a request

We, understanding your specific needs and wishes, submit requests to clinics.

We find the solution

After receiving the answers, we select the best options taking into account the pricing policy, the qualifications of specialists and your requirements.

We are planning our arrival together.

Once you have decided on a clinic, we strive to negotiate a discount, arrange consultation and accommodation for you.

We’re online

Upon arrival, we are always available 24/7, providing assistance in any matters without distracting you from your treatment.

Maybe you were looking for something different?

All patients have different unique requests. Write to us and we will find a solution to your problem

Select