Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system. So it is customary to call one of the subspecies of malignant tumors. Lymphoma of the mediastinum is a tumor that arises in the sternum, or rather in space, located in the middle of the thoracic cavity. There is such an oncology quite often. According to statistics, men suffer from it more often, but doctors also have to treat doctors.
Causes of lymphoma of the mediastinum
As with any cancer, the cause of the appearance of lymphoma can not be named. It is known reliably that tumors are formed, as in other types of oncology, because of the uncontrolled division of malignant cells, which, if not properly treated, can spread throughout the body. The disadvantage of this particular form of cancer is that it affects the lymphatic system implicated in all organs. And accordingly, malignant cells can get anywhere absolutely unimpeded.
It is believed that such factors can have access to mediastinal lymphoma:
- irrational and unbalanced nutrition;
- negative ecological situation;
- irradiation with radiation;
- aggressive viruses that affect immunity;
- autoimmune diseases ;
- contact with carcinogens;
- frequent stressful situations.
Age is also important. Young people get sick less often with lymphoma. Much more often, oncology is diagnosed in middle-aged and elderly people.
Symptoms of mediastinal lymphoma
Traditionally, signs of malignant tumors of the mediastinum can not immediately manifest. Basically, the first symptom is the appearance of small, barely noticeable swelling in the neck, in the armpits, in the groin, on the peritoneum. Neoplasms do not disturb patients at all.
Over time, the tumors begin to ache and blush. Along with these, there are other symptoms of mediastinal lymphoma:
- abdominal pain;
- vomiting;
- frequent attacks of nausea;
- deterioration of appetite;
- severe weight loss;
- profuse sweating (especially at night);
- prostration;
- an insignificant increase in temperature;
- difficulty breathing;
- dyspnea.
If the metastases have penetrated into the locomotor system, then the patient may experience coordination disorders.
Diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the mediastinum
Determining oncology is not so easy. This process can stretch for several days or even weeks. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to undergo several serious examinations and take a huge number of tests.
The mandatory diagnostic procedures include the following:
- Ultrasound;
- MRI;
- endoscopic examination;
- CT scan;
- biopsy;
- lumbar puncture .
Very important biochemical analysis of affected tissues with mediastinal lymphoma - it shows what the degree of malignancy of the tumor, how much it spread, how quickly it develops.
Treatment and prognosis for mediastinal lymphoma
It is possible to overcome this oncology by traditional methods:
- Chemotherapy. Malignant cells are destroyed by special very strong drugs.
- Radiation therapy. Treatment of tumor effects with high-performance X-rays.
- Biological treatment. It involves the use of chemicals prepared from the patient's own healthy cells.
- Bone marrow transplantation. One of the most radical and effective methods. After transplantation, the disease recedes in the organisms of most patients.
If mediastinal lymphoma is detected at an early stage, it can be virtually guaranteed to be cured of it. Oncology at the later stages is also treated, but this process can be difficult and will require a large amount of financial resources.