lymphoma | Lymphoma: a common and little-known blood cancer

Lymphoma: a common and little-known blood cancer

Lymphoma is the most common malignant blood tumor. It brings together a sum of rare diseases, hence the ignorance of the public and the patients themselves.


Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer and lymphatic system, and yet little known. In 2012, more than 35 000 new cases of malignant hemic were recorded in France, two thirds of which are lymphomas. It is the first cancer of the adolescent and young adult.

But behind this name lurks more than 50 cancerous pathologies. They are divided into two major groups: Hodgkin's lymphomas (10% of lymphomas) and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. A difference that the patients themselves have trouble doing, according to a global survey relayed by the association France Lymphoma Hope on the occasion of the 10th edition of World Lymphoma Day held this Thursday 15 September 2016.

This survey of patients and relatives across 72 countries reveals, in fact, that 87% of patients think they have understood their diagnosis after their first consultation, but barely half of them have apprehended the specifics of their subtypes Lymphoma. These are different depending on the immune cells affected or their appearance. They also vary depending on the degree of aggression (slow or fast evolution).


Little Specific Symptoms
The causes of these malignant tumors are unknown. Scientific studies have suggested that chronic viral or bacterial infections are a possible cause. The influence of the environment, including exposure to toxic substances such as pesticides, is also suspected. Just like the immunosuppressive treatments that act on the immune system.

Another difficulty: the symptoms of a lymphoma are not specific. swollen lymph nodes, itching, night sweats, heavy fatigue. It is only at an advanced stage that patients may experience pain in the lymph nodes, especially after consuming alcohol.

Effective treatments
On the treatment side, science has made great strides. Although chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the first weapons used, immunotherapy is becoming more and more necessary. The advantage of this targeted therapy is to directly attack cancer cells without attacking healthy cells. "20 years ago, the rate of response to the treatment of B-cell lymphomas was about 30%," says Dr. Hugo Gonzalez, hematologist at the Cergy-Pontoise hospital through clinical trials that have enabled immunotherapy to develop, this rate of Response has risen to 80%. The involvement of patients and patient associations is paramount in advancing research.

As a result, patients and relatives are increasingly concerned about the psychosocial effects of disease and treatment. According to the global survey, almost a quarter have suffered from depression or lower self-esteem. Because of the illness, they are almost half to feel dependent: some have had to move to a loved one or have encountered difficulties at work or in school. Difficulties that the association France Lymphoma Hope would like to highlight on the occasion of this 10th World Day.