What is this group of conditions?

Malignant lymphomas are a group of malignant diseases originating in lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissue. Nodular lymphomas have a better prognosis than the diffuse form of the disease, but in both, the prognosis is worse than in Hodgkin’s disease.

What causes them?

The cause of Lymphosarcoma is unknown, although some theories suggest a viral source. Up to 35,000 new cases appear annually in the United States. Malignant lymphomas are two to three times more common in men than women and occur in all age-groups (median age is 50; rare in children). Also, incidence is higher for whites, particularly people with Jewish ancestry.

What are their symptoms?

Usually, the first indication of malignant lymphoma is swelling of the lymph nodes, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and painless, rubbery nodes in and around the neck. In children, the disease causes shortness of breath and coughing.

As the lymphoma progresses, the person develops symptoms specific to the area involved and systemic complaints of fatigue, malaise, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

How are they diagnosed?

Biopsies of lymph nodes, tonsils, bone marrow, liver, bowel, or skin help the doctor diagnose this disorder. (Biopsy differentiates malignant lymphoma from Hodgkin’s disease.)

Other tests include bone and chest X-rays, lymphangiography, liver and spleen scan, computed tomography scan (commonly called CAT scan) of the abdomen, and intravenous pyelography. Common lab tests include a complete blood count, uric acid, blood calcium, blood protein, and liver function studies.

How are they treated?

Radiation therapy is used mainly in the early localized stage of the disease. Total irradiation of lymph nodes is often effective.

Chemotherapy is most effective when combinations of drugs are used. For example, one drug protocol, called the CHOP protocol includes cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone.