I linfomi: cosa sono, come si classificano, quale prospettiva di cura

Lymphoma is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic system, the cells and tissues responsible for defending the body from foreign agents and disease. The lymphatic system is composed of vessels that transport lymph, immune cells, and "stations" (lymph nodes) that appear swollen when an infection is present in the body. Lymphomas are divided into two broad categories: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The latter typically affect adults and older adults. What differentiates them from Hodgkin's lymphoma is the absence of the Reed-Sternberg cell, a type of B lymphocyte characterized by two nuclei that distinguishes a healthy cell from a diseased one. Since lymph nodes are found throughout the body, the disease can manifest at any level of the body. The lymph nodes most commonly affected by Hodgkin's lymphoma are those in the neck, axilla, mediastinum, inguinal region, and abdomen. In some cases, however, the disease can also affect other organs, such as the bone marrow, liver, lungs, and bones. The first symptom of the disease is almost always asymptomatic swelling of a superficial lymph node in the neck, groin, or armpit. It's important to note, however, that lymph node swelling doesn't necessarily indicate the presence of lymphoma.