Treatment of Lymphoma and Stomach Ulcers

Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancer of lymph nodes of the lymphatic system. Lymphoma results when a lymphocyte (a type of blood cell) undergoes a malignant change and accumulates because of exaggerated multiplication and/or a failure to die. This excess of lymphocytes interferes with the growth of normal blood cells and creates masses of tumors in lymph nodes.

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Ste
berg cell, which expresses CD30. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas include a large, diverse group of cancers of immune system cells. Non- Hodgkin lymphomas can be further divided into cancers that have an indolent (slow-growing) course and those that have an aggressive (fast-growing) course. These subtypes behave and respond to treatment differently.

For treatment of lymphoma you must consult a lymphoma specialist doctor. There are two types of lymphoma treatments:

• Low grade lymphoma treatment: Low-grade Lymphomas include small lymphocytic, follicular small cleaved, and follicular mixed cell. For low-grade Lymphomas, which usually grow very slowly and cause few symptoms, the doctor may wait until the disease shows signs of spreading before starting treatment.

Although low-grade Lymphomas grow slowly and respond readily to chemotherapy, they almost invariably return and are generally regarded as incurable. The long-term outcome has not been favorably affected by the use of intermediate chemotherapy. Single agent or combination chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required when the disease progresses or begins to cause symptoms.

• Intermediate and High Grade Lymphomas Treatment: Intermediate grade includes follicular large cell, diffuse small cleaved, diffuse mixed cell, and diffuse large cell. The chance of recovery and choice of treatment depend on the stage of the Cancer, age, and overall condition. Whatever the origin, the features that best predict the prognosis and guide decisions about therapy are the size, shape and pattern of the lymphocytes as seen microscopically.

Intermediate- and high-grade Lymphomas are curable. Treatment for intermediate- or high-grade Lymphomas usually involves chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy. In addition, surgery may be needed to remove a large tumor.

Combination chemotherapy is almost always necessary for successful treatment. Chemotherapy alone, or abbreviated chemotherapy and radiation, cure 70 to 80 percent of patients with limited (Stages I and II) intermediate-grade Lymphoma. Advanced (Stages III and IV) disease can be eradicated in about 50 percent of patients.

There are many types of stomach ulcers and peptic ulcer is one of them. Peptic ulcers are ulcers that form in the stomach or first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Your doctor can prescribe you some antibiotics for treatment of peptic ulcer. Moreover he also may suggest some steps of lifestyle modification like:

• Avoiding spicy, fatty and acidic foods.

• Quit smoking as it delays healing of stomach ulcers.

• Avoid too much intake of alcoholic beverages.

• Avoid caffeinated drinks and sodas.