What is a Primary Bone Lymphoma?
Primary bone lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the bones. Unlike most lymphomas, which usually begin in lymph nodes, this condition develops directly inside the bone.
It arises from lymphoid cells, which are part of the immune system and normally help the body fight infections. Even though it starts in bone, it is considered a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, not a typical bone cancer.
Incidence
This disease can occur at any age but is most commonly seen in adults, especially in middle age. It can affect any bone, but it is more often found in the long bones such as the thigh bone, arm bone, or in the pelvis and spine. Usually, only one bone is involved at the time of diagnosis, which is why it is called “primary” bone lymphoma.
Symptoms
The symptoms develop slowly and may be confusing at first. The most common symptom is persistent bone pain that does not improve with rest and may become worse at night. Swelling or tenderness over the affected area may appear as the disease progresses. Some people experience weakness or difficulty using the affected limb.
In advanced cases, the bone may become weak and break easily after minor injury. General symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and tiredness may also occur, but these are not present in every patient.
Diagnosis
To diagnose primary bone lymphoma, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans are used to identify abnormal areas in the bone. A biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis, where a small sample of bone tissue is examined under the microscope. Blood tests and scans are also done to make sure the disease has not started elsewhere in the body.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, which is very effective for this type of cancer. Radiation therapy may be added to the affected bone to improve local control, especially when the disease is limited. Surgery is generally not needed unless there is a fracture or structural weakness that needs support.
Prognosis
The prognosis is relatively good compared to many other bone cancers. Many patients achieve long-term remission, especially when the disease is diagnosed early and treated properly. Regular follow-up is important to monitor recovery and detect any recurrence.
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