Malignant Lymphoma

Introduction

This bone cancer is also called "reticulum cell sarcoma". It affects adults between 40 and 60. It can originate in any bone throughout the body and looks histologically characteristic with a mixture of lymphoblasts, lymphocytes and so-called reticulum cells.

Symptoms

Like with the other bone tumors there is bone pain as well as swelling in the affected bone area. X-rays (white area here in lower bone of knee) show severe bone destruction early on and it is not surprising that pathological fractures in the tumor area are common.

Diagnosis

Initially the doctor likely will order such tests as a bone scan, a CT scan or an MRI scan. The diagnosis, however, is only established when a bone biopsy proves the histology.

Treatment

If the disease is localized, the prognosis with treatment is relatively good with a cancer survival rate of more than 50% over 5 years. In the past amputation of the affected extremity was done. Nowadays treatment consists of radiotherapy, as well as chemotherapy (in combination). Trials have shown that this yields the same or better survival rates, so that amputations or other crippling surgery no longer have to be done. Much has been learnt from osteosarcomas and the same methods of treatment are employed here.

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Disclaimer

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References

1. Cancer: Principles &Practice of Oncology. 4th edition. Edited by

Vincent T. DeVita, Jr. et al. Lippincott, Philadelphia,PA, 1993. Chapter on Sarcomas of the soft tissues and bone.

2. Cancer: Principles&Practice of Oncology. 5th edition, volume 2. Edited by Vincent T. DeVita, Jr. et al. Lippincott-Raven Publ., Philadelphia,PA, 1997. Chapter on Sarcomas of the soft tissues and bone.

3. Conn's Current Therapy 2004, 56th ed., Copyright © 2004 Elsevier

4. Ferri: Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment, 2004 ed., Copyright © 2004 Mosby, Inc

5. Suzanne Somers: "Breakthrough" Eight Steps to Wellness-- Life-altering Secrets from Today's Cutting-edge Doctors", Crown Publishers, 2008

Last Modified: Jan. 10, 2012