Lymphoma Cancer Survival Rate

Cancer is the uncontrolled multiplication of the normal cells, which grow and turn malignant. Lymphoma cancer involves cells of the immune system called lymphocytes, and is one of the 35 types of cancers that affect these cells. It is the third most common cancer seen in children. In lymphoma, the B cells or the T cells are the cells which turn malignant. This abnormal multiplication of cells can happen in one or many lymph nodes at a time. Due to continuous multiplication, it forms a tumor. This tumor can form anywhere in the lymphatic system and affects the normal functioning of the immune system. If left untreated, it can spread to other adjacent organs. Now, let us learn a little about the lymphatic system and its functions.

Lymphatic System

Lymph is a fluid which flows through the immune system in lymphatic vessels, which form a network similar to that of the blood vessels. Lymph contains the white blood cells which help to fight against infections. The lymphatic system consists of the lymph nodes which are scattered throughout the human body. Lymph nodes filter the bacteria, viruses and infections from the lymph fluid and thus, form the immune system of the human body. This is the basic functioning of the lymphatic system.

Survival Rate of Lymphoma

There are two types of lymphoma viz., Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Here we shall have a look at the survival rate for both these types of the disease.

Hodgkin Lymphoma

The Hodgkin lymphoma is caused due to the abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells, and has been found to affect mostly young adults. The incidence rate of males getting the disease, is higher than that of the females. According to the research, it is common among young people of the age less than 20 years. In the year 2006, there were 1.1 per 100,000 children, who were affected by the disease, which is more common in children. The occurrence rate of this type of lymphoma is 7.2%. According to the race, it is most commonly seen in whites, followed by African Americans and then Hispanic children. According to a research, the survival rate for the disease is 95.5% for young adults below the age of 20 years. However, in the last 30 years, the deaths due to the disease has decreased. Death rate in men has decreased by 3% and in women, the death rate has decreased by 3.7%.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is caused without the abnormal cells, and is the seventh most common cancer in both males and females. It is more common as compared to the Hodgkin cancer. Its occurrence rate is 6.6%. The survival rate has increased in the last 5 years, and according to a survey, it has increased to 84.4%. However, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma still remains the ninth most common cause of death in males and sixth most common cause of death in females. This statistics is for the people living in United States of America.

This was all about the lymphoma cancer survival rate. Emerging technologies in the field of medical science are decreasing the death rate and increasing the survival rates of he people suffering from these one time deadly diseases. No, I don't mean that they are not deadly any more, they still are but the chances of human victory over the disease have improved a lot, and all thanks to 'Medical Science'.