Editing Patient Pathways: Lymphoma (section)

= Lymphoma =

Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer and the third most common cancer in children. Millions of people worldwide are currently living with lymphoma, but many people are still unaware of lymphoma and that it is a life-threatening form of cancer.

Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, white blood cells that help fight infection, and occurs when abnormal lymphocytes grow uncontrollably and collect in lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Lymphocytes are found in a fluid called lymph, which travels through our bodies in the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and organs such as the spleen and thymus that are part of our immune system. Lymphocytes often gather in lymph nodes - most commonly in the armpits, neck, or groin - to fight infection, but can also be found in almost any part of the body.

There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), with NHL being by far the most common. This categorization is based on the name of the physician, Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, who first described what was then termed Hodgkin’s disease in the early nineteenth century.

Lymphomas can affect the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and other parts of the body. Given the diversity and complexity of different subtypes, it is important for people diagnosed with lymphoma to know and understand their specific subtype, including its low- or high-grade.

Knowing the specific subtype helps people better understand their disease (including its diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan) and access tailored information and support.

'''Subtypes of lymphoma'''

There are more than 80 subtypes of lymphoma, with different diagnostic assessments, different treatment protocols and different outcomes. It is very important that a lymphoma specialist (hematologist) diagnoses the correct subtype of lymphoma. This ensures that patients receive the right treatment at the right time for the right subtype.

According to the latest data, the prevalence of lymphoma in Croatia is constantly increasing. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common, while Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for a smaller percentage of cases. The exact number of patients varies, but several hundred new cases of lymphoma are diagnosed in Croatia each year.

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