Our body has two Fluid Systems the Circulatory System that constitutes the blood stream and the Lymphatic System that represents the immunity. A cancer taking place in Lymphatic System is called Lymphoma. The lymphatic system comprises Lymph fluid, Lymphocytes, Lymph Nodes and organs like Bone Marrow, Spleen, Adenoid, Tonsils and Spleen.
Lymphocytes are a kind of specialized cells which produce antibodies in response to any foreign invader. Lymphocytes are concentrated in Lymph nodes, a knob like structure in lymphatic system that is present at various junctures in our body.
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma is characterized by an abnormal growth in Lymphocytes. These lymphocytes have a predefined life cycle. The older ones die and are replenished periodically by newer ones. In patients reporting Non Hodgkin Lymphoma the lymphocytes do not die but continue to grow and divide further leading to a swollen lymph node.
There are two types of Lymphocytes: One which is formed at bone marrow is called a B-Cell while the other originating from Thymus is T-Cell. Non Hodgkin Cancer is marked by an abnormal growth in B-Cell lymphocytes.
Non Hodgkin cancer chiefly occurs in lymph nodes but could spread to other sites of Lymphatic System that includes Tonsils, Adenoids, Bone Marrow, Thymus and Spleen Cells.

Some common symptoms indicating Non Hodgkin Lymphoma are:

1.    Swollen tonsils, armpit and groin
2.    Drenching night sweats
3.    Dizziness
4.    Difficult breathing
5.    Weakness and fatigue
6.    Persistent fever
While these signs are common even during an infection in the body, if these continue for more than a week one must consult their health care practitioner. Once detected with a Lymphoma he/she could then refer you to a Hematologist, an expert for Blood Cells Diseases.

Although there are not many risks associated with Non Hodgkin Cancer some specific situations could make people more receptive. These include:
1.    Undergoing an Organ Transplant as this suppresses the immune system thus making one’s body defenseless for attack from Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
2.    Infection caused by certain viruses and bacteria could endanger the body for Non Hodgkin Cancer. These include HIV Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Epstein Barr Virus and Helicobacter Pylori bacteria.

Tests and Diagnosis:

Your doctor could assess the extent of Non Hodgkin cancer by:
1.    Physically examining the size and structure of lymph nodes

2.    A swollen lymph node shows infection which could be examined by using a sample of blood or urine collected

3.    Imaging the areas in proximity of chest, neck and abdomen using an X-Ray, CT (Computer Tomography) Scan or PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan

4.    Biopsy involves removal or extraction of tissues in a lymph node by inserting a suction needle. This extract is then sent to a pathologist to study under the microscopic purview
The extent and seriousness of Non Hodgkin Cancer could be measured depending on myriad factors like:
1.    Which lymphocyte is affected B-Cells or T-Cells?
2.    The physical appearance of cell under microscope
3.    Which antigen is present on the surface of cancer cells?
Combining these factors with few more, specialists group cancer from stage I to IV.  If the disease does not show much evidences, your doctor could adopt a wait and watch approach wherein he/she might conduct some regular checkups to monitor the advancement of cancer.

Treatment for lymphoma that shows signs and symptoms:

1.    Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy kills or inhibits cancer cells to multiply and grow aggressively. Chemotherapy drugs could be administered orally or by an infusion into the veins of the patient.One of the common chemotherapy treatment for non Hodgkin lymphoma is R-CHOP chemotherapy

2.    Radiation Therapy: This uses high dose of radiation to kill the cancer cells at the affected region

3.    Transplantation of Stem Cells: After a strong and intense dose of chemotherapy. Stem cells in the body are transplanted to refresh the entire lymphatic system. This could be done by collecting the healthy stem cells afore treatment or by giving you the stem cells collected from a donor.
4.    Radio Immunotherapy: This therapy carries Radio Isotopic drugs to the cancer cells and allows antibodies to attach to these cells thereby vitiating their activity. The two most common Radio Immunotherapy drugs are Zevalin and Bexxar.

The diagnosis and treatment of Cancer could be gloomy and equally traumatizing. One must not feel low spirited as there is a cure for every form of cancer. People could cope up commendably well if they research more about cancer and read successful stories of patients who have come up with flowering colors post their treatment. Support from family and friends bolster once confidence manifolds. One must imbibe a healthy life style by eating properly, exercising regularly and taking proper rest.