Lymphoma of the bone marrow
Lymphomas, in general, are classified into Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, and the type of lymphoma that affects the bone marrow is almost always Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Lymphomas originate from lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that are found in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, gastrointestinal system and many other areas. Many risk factors can cause Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma including viruses as hepatitis C, human T-cell lymphoma virus and Epstein-Barr virus, autoimmune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and celiac disease, chemicals especially herbicides and pesticides, radiation exposure and some genetic conditions. Although lymphomas may be asymptomatic until late in the disease, enlargement of the lymph nodes with the associated symptoms of malignancy, especially bone pains or splenic enlargement, should alert the physician of suspected malignancy. Lymphomas are diagnosed classically with a lymph node biopsy from enlarged nodes and radiologic assessment of the disease using CT scanning or MRI. Treatment can be through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination.