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AIDS-related lymphoma
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Stages
- AIDS-related lymphoma may be classified as "E," for extranodal, or "S," for spleen. If the cancer is extranodal, the cancer is present in an area or organ other than the lymph nodes, or it has spread via lymph vessels to tissues beyond, but close to, the major lymphatic areas. When cancer is described as "S," this means the cancer is present in the spleen.
- Stage I: Stage I is subdivided into Stage I and Stage IE. Stage I occurs when cancer is present in one lymph node group. Stage IE occurs when cancer is present in an area or organ other than the lymph nodes.
- Stage II: Stage II is subdivided into Stage II and Stage IIE. Stage II occurs when cancer is found in two or more lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm (muscle below the lungs that aids in breathing). Stage IIE occurs when cancer is present in an area or organ, in addition to the lymph nodes near that area. At this stage, the cancer may have also spread to other lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm.
- Stage III: Stage III is subdivided into Stage III, Stage IIIE, Stage IIIS or Stage IIIS+E. Stage III occurs when cancer is found in lymph node groups on both sides of the diaphragm. Stage IIIE occurs when cancer is present in lymph node groups on both sides of the diaphragm, as well as in an area or organ other than the lymph nodes. Stage IIIS occurs when cancer is present in lymph node groups on both sides of the diaphragm and in the spleen. Stage IIIS+E occurs when cancer is present in lymph node groups on both sides of the diaphragm, in an area or organ other than the lymph nodes and in the spleen.
- Stage IV: During stage IV, cancer is either found throughout one or more organs (other than the lymph nodes) and possibly in lymph nodes nearby, or cancer is present in one organ (other than the lymph nodes), as well as lymph nodes far away from that organ.
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Lymph system
- Lymph: Lymph is colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system, carrying white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes fight against infections and destroy tumors (abnormal tissue growth).
- Lymph vessels: The lymph vessels are a network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different body parts and return it to the bloodstream.
- Lymph nodes: The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are located along the lymph vessels throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodes are located under the arm, as well as near the pelvis, neck, abdomen and groin. The lymph nodes filter the lymph to help fight infection and disease.
- Spleen: The spleen is an organ located on the left side of the abdomen. The spleen produces lymphocytes, stores blood cells and destroys old blood cells.
- Thymus: The thymus is an organ located in the chest, behind the breastbone. Lymphocytes mature and reproduce in the thymus.
- Tonsils: The tonsils are two small masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat, which produce lymphocytes.
- Bone marrow: The bone marrow is soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones. The bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
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Staging
- Once a patient is diagnosed with AIDS-related lymphoma, additional tests are performed to determine whether cancer cells have spread throughout the lymph system or to other parts of the body. This process is called staging. The test results will help the healthcare provider determine the stage of the disease, which is important to plan treatment. In most cases, AIDS-related lymphoma is advanced (cancer cells have spread throughout the body) by the time it is diagnosed.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan: A computerized tomography (CT) scan may be performed to detect abnormal tissue growth in the body. The CT scan provides detailed images of the internal organs and tissues. During the procedure, a dye may be injected into the vein or taken orally to help make the organs and tissues more visible.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be performed to detect malignant (cancerous) tumor cells in the body. A small amount of radioisotope compound is injected into a vein to help make the tissues and organs more visible. The PET scanner rotates around the body and takes a picture of where glucose is being used in the body. Malignant tumor cells appear brighter in the image because they are more active and consume more glucose than normal cells.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test provides a series of detailed pictures of the internal organs and tissues. A substance called gadolinium is injected into the patient through a vein. The gadolinium collects around the cancer cells so they show up brighter in the picture. People with heart pacemakers, metal implants, artificial heart valves and other surgically implanted structures cannot be scanned with an MRI because of the risk that the magnet may move the metal parts of these structures.
- Bone marrow biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy may be performed to determine if cancer cells are present. During the procedure, a small piece of bone and bone marrow are removed after inserting a needle into the hipbone or breastbone. Then a pathologist views both the samples under a microscope to look for signs of cancer.
- Lumbar puncture: A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be performed to determine if the cancer has spread to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). During the procedure, a needle is inserted into the lower back and a small sample of CSF is removed from the spinal column. The sample is then analyzed under a microscope for signs of cancer.
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New research
- Monoclonal antibody therapy is currently being tested in clinical trials. This potential cancer treatment uses antibodies produced in a laboratory from a single type of immune system cell. These antibodies can identify differences in surface cell receptors on cancer cells or normal cells, which may help cancer cells grow. The antibodies attach to the receptors unique to the cancer cells, block their growth and ultimately kill the cancer cell. Monoclonal antibodies are administered by infusion. These may be used alone (naked) or they may contain drugs, toxins or radioactive material (conjugated) that is administered to cancer cells. Conjugated antibodies release the cancer-destroying drugs once they bind to the cancer cells.
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Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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