The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph fluid, where the lymphocytes are bathed. Lymphocytes are white blood cells which are responsible for fighting against infections and harmful microorganisms in the body. If you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, these lymphocytes tend to grow at an abnormal rate and then deposit at lymph node sites. As a result of lymphoma types of cancer, the affected lymphocytes lose their ability to fight against pathogens and thus your immunity is compromised. A prognosis refers to one’s chances of recovery and survival of cancer or relatively, the likely outcome of cancer treatment.
What Is the Prognosis for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
For non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the prognosis is good and depending on the factors considered, most patients can be cured of cancer. Since there are a number of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, the prognosis may differ for each type.
Factors Affecting Prognosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Most oncologists make a prognosis for non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients based on their type of cancer, the stage, risk factors, the growth rate and the response to treatment. However, regardless of the underlying factors of prognosis, provided that the cancer is likely to respond well to treatment, then the prognosis is much better.
As a matter of fact, your cancer could go into remission and can get back to your normal life in no time. In that perspective, if your cancer is likely to not respond to treatment, then your prognosis is lower and can lead to death indefinitely.
Another important factor to consider in prognosis is one’s overall health and well-being. Since non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma affects the immune system and has a series of unpleasant symptoms, one’s health and well-being are compromised. As a result, if the damage is done is great, then the prognosis is unfavorable, however, if you eat well and observe good nutrition, you could conquer cancer. In cases of high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the prognosis is relatively high compared to low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This is because the latter cannot be treated with standard treatment procedures and it may take a while to “sprout” i.e. manifest itself in the body. Other factors that influence one’s prognosis include; age, infections, performance status of the patient and the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in blood.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Outlook
Closely related to prognosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the survival rate (outlook) of the condition over a certain period of time. Often the period runs for five years or utmost ten years. The outlook will be dependent on individuals with fewer or nor symptoms of cancer, those free of other illnesses and people getting treatment.
Accordingly, for patients who have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has spread to neighboring areas have a survival rate of 75% over a five-year period. Otherwise, if the cancer hasn’t spread, then the survival rate is higher to about 83% over the same period. However, if the cancer has metastasized into areas further away from the initial location of the tumor, the 5-year rate of survival stands at 63%. The relative 5-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is 71%. Over a 10-year period, the rate of survival is spread out appropriately so the numbers may be slightly lower compared to the 5-year survival rate. The relative 10-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is 60%. Needless say, the survival rates are subject to change depending on the risk factors the patient faces.
For example; follicular lymphoma, which is a rather slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has a 5-year survival rate of 91% and a 10-year survival rate of 71% for low-risk patients. For high-risk patients, the 5 and 10-year survival rates stand at 53% and 36% respectively. The percentage of survival rates is dependent on the risk factors considered.
Conclusion
Most non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are treatable and therefore have a good prognosis. Factors that influence the prognosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include; the type of cancer, the stage, response to therapy, affected organs, age, other infections and response to treatment to name a few. It is important that when you are diagnosed with this form of cancer, you are aware of the prognosis and what you should expect. In addition to that, ensure you take good care of your health so as to improve the chances of your survival. You can do so by eating healthy foods and exercising so as to boost your immune system and overall feel of your body.
Also Read:
- Can A Blood Test Detect Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
- What Is The Best Treatment For Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
- What Is The Survival Rate Of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
- How To Cope With Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
- How To Prevent Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
- Stages Of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- What Are The Types Of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?