Oral Cancer Series 1: Lymphoma

Lymphoma

What is it?

Lymphoma originates from the lymphatic system, where the lymphocytes (white blood cells that help the body immune to infections) mutate to develop cancer. The organs in the lymphatic system consists of the lymph nodes, thymus, lymphatic vessel, bone marrow, and spleen. Lymphoma can develop in any of these organs and spread.

Types of lymphoma

There are two types of lymphoma cancer: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Non-Hodgkin is the more prominent type of the two. The difference between Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin is based on the different types of lymphocyte cells. This affect the rate in which the cancer spreads as well as how well they respond to treatment.

Lymphoma in the the gums (image credited at end)

Common symptoms

- swelling of lymph nodes

- sudden weight loss

- fevers and chills

- continuous fatigue

Causes

Doctors are unsure of the cause of lymphoma; however, it is advised to avoid exposure to radiation and chemicals that create higher risks for cancer.

Treatment

Though treatment vary on the stage of cancer, active surveillance, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant are some methods that are practiced today.

How is this related to oral health?

Though lymphoma can be found in the various parts of the body, it can be also found within the mouth. Oral cavity lymphomas are rare, but is the third most common malignancy in the oral cavity. According to PubMed central, "Patients often present with signs and symptoms such as tooth mobility, localized swelling with ulcer, unexplained dental pain, or ill-defined lytic osseous changes" (Varun, Varghese, Sivakumar, Joseph 1). To prevent lymphoma in oral cavities, regular checkup are crucial.

One issue prevails, however. The diagnosing oral lymphomas are often difficult they are visually similar in clinical features of some oral malignancies such as periodontal disease.

Source:

https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/types-of-cancer/mouth-cancer/types-of-mouth-cancer

https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma#:~:text=Lymphoma%20is%20a%20broad%20term,depends%20on%20the%20specific%20type.

https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352638

https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/lymphoma#:~:text=Causes%20of%20lymphoma,health%20guidelines%20to%20minimise%20exposure.

Image Source:

Siqueira JM, Fernandes PM, Oliveira ACF, Vassallo J, Alves FA, Jaguar GC. Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the mandible. Autops Case Rep [Internet]. 2019 Jul-Sep;9(3):e201910. https://doi.org/10.4322/acr.2019.109

The patient signed an informed consent authorizing the publication of the report as well as the images. The manuscript is by the Institutional Ethics Committee.

Oral health is FOR.ALL!