Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Essay by QFasticUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, April 2005

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My client is a 70 year old gentleman who has an admitting diagnosis of increased weakness, productive cough and diarrhea which is believed to be secondary from chemotherapy treatment for his large cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL). A late diagnosis of sepsis from pneumonia was given to him after being admitted into the hospital.

This patient is dealing with multiple system problems stemming from his NHL. This paper will focus on the main cause of his medical conditions which is his Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The use of chemotherapy has complicated his condition, but understanding the mechanism of this disease its self will illustrate why patients with this condition are prone to diseases.

Lymphatic system

About 53,900 Americans will be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma this year, according to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It is the fifth most common cancer in the United States. About 289,390 people in the United States live with the disease.

The five-year survival rates for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have increased from 47% in 1974 to 55% in 2002. (National Cancer Institute, 2004) In children, the five-year survival rate is even better, at 78%. Prognosis varies, depending on the type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. About 24,400 people will die this year from the disease, 13,500 males and 12,300 females. A growing number of older adults are developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affects more men than women. Caucasians are more likely to develop the disease than African Americans or Asian Americans. The risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma also increases with age; the early 40s is the average age at diagnosis.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphoid tissue (also called lymphatic tissue), part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is important for filtering bacteria and cancer cells and carrying fluid from the limbs and internal organs back...