Lymphoma and diabetes have been examined in many recent studies. Now researchers are saying that people with diabetes are at a 19% greater risk of getting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) than those who don’t have diabetes. So, what is the connection between lymphoma and diabetes? This is still unclear. What is known is that lymphoma occurs when circulating immune cells proliferate out of control. Researchers suggest that the link between diabetes and lymphoma has a lot to do with how diabetes affects the immune system. Obesity seems to be a major factor as well (Diabetes.org, 2012).
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in immune system cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that move throughout the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system, in order to fight off anything which threatens the body. There are two primary types of lymphocytes, B cells and T cells. Lymphoma occurs when the B cells or T cells begin growing and multiplying uncontrollably.
Immunosuppression is thought to be the cause of lymphoma diabetes. NHL is significantly higher in patients that are in an immunosuppressive state, and diabetes impairs the immune response to bacterial infections. One study, published on BMJ.com, found that the presents of diabetes was high in those with extranodal lymphoma, especially when lymphoma involved the head, nose, sinuses, central nervous system, and orbit. However, it cannot be clearly explained. The study concludes that there may be a genetic association involved. In many cases there is a connection between lymphoma and diabetes shown, but further study is still needed.
Diabetes Lymphoma Symptoms
According to MedicalNewsToday.com, cancer symptoms are varied. This is because the symptoms that you have depend on where the cancer is located. In most cases lymphoma first manifests itself with swelling in the neck, underarm, or groin. Swelling may also occur in other places throughout the body where lymph nodes may be found.
In some cases lymph nodes encroach on the space of blood vessels, nerves, or the stomach. This could lead to swollen arms and legs, tingling, numbness, or feelings of being full. Other lymphoma symptoms may include fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, lethargy, and itching. Enlarged nodes are not always a sign of lymphoma. If you feel that you may have lymphoma you should not hesitate to go to the doctor just to be sure, however. Early diagnosis is critically, particularly in cases of lymphoma and diabetes.
