Lymphoma is a malignancy in lymphatic system containing about 400+ bean-size nodes that generate a colourless liquid called lymph containing lymphocytes. Most of these nodes are housed in the region between thorax and lower abdomen, i.e. torso and few in neck, sides of face, head and groin region. The functions of lymphatic system are nicely explained at URLs http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/body/the-lymphatic-system, http://www.lymphomation.org/lymphatic.htm
The investigations are mainly focused around
General health of a patient that is marked by ECG, microbiology of blood sample to see hepatitis-B, C and HIV presence.
CT scan for confirming physical evidence for enlargement in other nodes.
Haematopathology that includes, identification of various cell markers, bone marrow morphology to check whether bone marrow is also involved.
Histopathology of the blocks and slides of earlier biopsy for confirmation.
Haematopathology report shows different values of CDs which are helpful for diagnosis and planning of drugs for the doctors. All the investigations were completed in my case between 1st and 15th December.
In my case, the CT scan indicated additional enlarged nodes in both armpits and the bone marrow biopsy confirmed presence of malignancy. The lymphocytes comprise of B, T and NK cells while the investigations pointed to malignancy in B cells with a low rate of growth (indolent). I think under these circumstances all the 400+ nodes in my body are at potential hazard. Though there is no immediate danger, it is possible that the nodes near important internal organs (lungs, heart, liver, kidneys,) grow and cause obstruction to their natural function or a malignant growth in spleen or liver which are parts of the lymphatic system may cause future problems.
My B cell markers were – CD20=40%, CD22=36%, CD19=31%,CD10=25%, FMC7=36%
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