Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survival Rate

The network that is built in our body or let's say spread throughout the body to fight off various diseases is the lymphatic system and is thus a vital part of the immune system. Now, this system, due to reasons which are still unknown to the medical community, can be affected by cancerous growths. This condition is known as lymphoma, and there are two types of it, namely, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL). It is the former type that we would be discussing today. But, for your information, in Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, there is a spurt of abnormal growth of cells in the lymphatic system. These cancerous cells may even spread beyond the lymphatic system. In case of the other type, development of tumors from lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) takes place.

Prognosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

➜ Depending upon the stage, the type, age of the sufferer, and other elements, the survival rate can be assumed. Survival rate basically exhibits the percentage of patients who are known to survive a particular type of cancer for a specific period of time.

➜ Generally, for cancer patients, the period taken is 5 years. Meaning, a five-year survival rate is usually considered to determine the cancer statistics. So, the overall 5-year NHL survival rate is 69%, according to what the American Cancer Society touts. And, if a 10-year survival rate is considered, then the figure is 58%.

➜ So, taking a 5-year period into consideration, it means that of all the people diagnosed with this condition, around 69 of every 100 were able to survive the condition for at least 5 years post the diagnosis and after receiving lymphoma treatment. This is indicative of the fact that the rest 31 out of 100 people could not survive and died within the span of 5 years.

➜ As far as the survival rate for stage-4 NHL is concerned, it happens to be the most widespread form of the condition. Also, since it happens to be the last stage, the survival rate, most likely, may be less than what has been cited above. Now, how less it may be is difficult to determine, as it varies from person to person and depends on various factors.

Symptoms and Causes

According to the cases attended by experts, it was found that non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tends to be more common than the Hodgkin's one. The common symptoms and signs include:

• Lymph nodes get swollen in the back area and that of the groin
• Pain or swelling in the abdominal area
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Abnormal perspiration in the night
• Unintended weight loss

As mentioned earlier, it is not specifically known as to what causes this condition. What happens is, normally the white blood cells in the system die when they age, giving way for the creation of new ones. However, due to some reasons they do not perish but continue to grow and divide. With time, so many lymphocytes get accumulated that the lymph nodes begin to swell and cause complications.

Knowing about the survival rate of NHL can be confusing and frightening for a patient. However, it gives you a subtle idea about the prognosis of the condition. But again, prognosis is a mere prediction that is based on several cases which have been handled earlier. So, it is wise not to get oneself too much involved in the subject but religiously follow what the doctors recommend and lead a healthy life as far as possible.

Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.