Lymphomas are tumors of the lymph glands that can occur in anyone. They are more common in people with HIV infection.
What do I look for?
The tumors
occur anywhere along your lymph system and in your stomach, bone marrow, liver, lungs and brain. The symptoms can include large lumps in the neck, under the arms, or in the groin. The symptoms can also be
related to where the lymphoma occurs. Lymphoma in the intestines causes abdominal pain and diarrhea. Lymphoma in the brain can cause the same kinds of symptoms that happen in dementia (changes in behaviour,
memory, level of consciousness, etc.) Lymphoma in the brain can also cause headaches, fever, seizures, or weakness of the arms or legs.
Can Lymphoma be prevented?
Because the cause of lymphoma is not known, there is no known way of preventing it.
How is Lymphoma treated?
Treatment is with radiation and with chemotherapy, using the same drugs used to treat
other types of tumors. These treatments are given by cancer specialists.
Both radiation and chemotherapy will weaken the immune system, and in a person with AIDS who's immune system is already weakened,
this can lead to further problems. Lymphoma can be difficult to diagnose and treatment isn't always successful. Talk over the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.
References
Whitehead, M., and Patterson, B. (1993). Managing your health: A guide for people living with HIV/AIDS. Toronto: CATIE & Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.
Bartlett, J., Finkbeiner, A. (1991)
. The guide to living with HIV infection. Baltimore: The John Hopkins University Press.
