Lymphomas Of Head And Neck

Updated: May 28, 2024

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Background

Head and neck lymphomas develops in the lymphatic system which damages region like nodes, tonsils, throat, sinuses, and head structures.
It is second most common head and neck malignancy is lymphoma. 

In this cancer, it shows lymph node swelling, difficulty in swallowing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. 

Epidemiology

It is the most prevalent cancer in the US with an estimated 74,490 annual cases.  

The incidence of NHL has doubled over the two decades because of the huge increase in AIDS-related lymphoma. 

Men have higher rates of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) as compared to women.  

Anatomy

Pathophysiology

Lymphoma linked to abnormal genes causing uncontrolled growth of white blood cells in immune system. 

Lymphomas caused by clonal expansion of mutated lymphocytes, genetic mutations. Tumor microenvironment is critical for lymphoma growth and progression. 

Etiology

Weakened immune systems increase risk of head and neck lymphomas. Some viruses and bacteria can cause lymphoma development. 
Exposure to pesticides, solvents, chemicals may raise risk of lymphomas. 

Genetics

Prognostic Factors

The tumor size which affects lymph nodes, and extranodal sites decides prognosis while higher burden related with worse outcomes.  

Patients with progression need stem cell transplant otherwise they will face worse prognosis. 

Clinical History

Lymphomas of the head and neck can occur in a any age group from children to older adults. 

Physical Examination

Palpation of Lymph Nodes 

Location of Lymphadenopathy 

Throat Examination 

Age group

Associated comorbidity

Associated activity

Acuity of presentation

Head and neck lymphomas slowly develop symptoms over time rather than suddenly. 

Head and neck lymphoma patients may have swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, swallowing issues, and nasal congestion. 

Differential Diagnoses

Inflammatory Conditions 

Infectious Causes 

Malignant Tumors 

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Procedures

Histologic Findings

Staging

Treatment Paradigm

Therapies including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are widely preferred by surgeons in the treatment of lymphomas of the head and neck.  

Supportive care helps manage side effects of treatment like nausea. 

Appointments with medical physicians and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort. 

by Stage

by Modality

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgical Interventions

Hormone Therapy

Immunotherapy

Hyperthermia

Photodynamic Therapy

Stem Cell Transplant

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

use-of-a-non-pharmacological-approach-lymphomas-of-head-and-neck

Patients with chondronecrosis should avoid exposure to environmental irritants that cause chemical and radiation exposure. 

Education should be given to individuals about cautious with activities that could cause lymphomas. 

Patient should quit smoking and alcohol, also start eating vegetables. 

Use of Monoclonal Antibodies for treatment of Lymphomas of Head and Neck

Rituximab: It targets CD20 on B-lymphocytes and apoptosis by binding to the antigen on the cell surface. 

Use of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for treatment of Lymphomas of Head and Neck

Ibrutinib: It blocks BTK enzyme in B-cell receptor pathway which disrupts signals, and changes tumor microenvironment in malignant B cells. 

Use of Glucocorticoids for treating of Lymphomas of Head and Neck

Dexamethasone: It is used in the treatment of lymphoma to reduce symptoms such as pain, swelling, and tissue inflammation in the head and neck. 

use-of-intervention-with-a-procedure-in-treating-lymphomas-of-head-and-neck

Biopsy: The surgery involves removal of tissue for histological examination from affected areas. 

Endoscopic procedures such as nasopharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy, which assess the upper aerodigestive tract for lymphoma involvement to visualize and detect biopsy suspicious lesions. 

 

use-of-phases-in-managing-lymphomas-of-head-and-neck

In the initial diagnosis phase, the physician assesses symptoms related to lymphomas, including a medical history and physical examination. 

In the supportive care and preventive measure phase all necessary steps should be taken by physicians to enhance the quality of life of the patient. 

The long-term management phase is important phase involves continuous monitoring and progress of treatment. 

Medication

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Lymphomas Of Head And Neck

Updated : May 28, 2024

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Head and neck lymphomas develops in the lymphatic system which damages region like nodes, tonsils, throat, sinuses, and head structures.
It is second most common head and neck malignancy is lymphoma. 

In this cancer, it shows lymph node swelling, difficulty in swallowing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. 

It is the most prevalent cancer in the US with an estimated 74,490 annual cases.  

The incidence of NHL has doubled over the two decades because of the huge increase in AIDS-related lymphoma. 

Men have higher rates of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) as compared to women.  

Lymphoma linked to abnormal genes causing uncontrolled growth of white blood cells in immune system. 

Lymphomas caused by clonal expansion of mutated lymphocytes, genetic mutations. Tumor microenvironment is critical for lymphoma growth and progression. 

Weakened immune systems increase risk of head and neck lymphomas. Some viruses and bacteria can cause lymphoma development. 
Exposure to pesticides, solvents, chemicals may raise risk of lymphomas. 

The tumor size which affects lymph nodes, and extranodal sites decides prognosis while higher burden related with worse outcomes.  

Patients with progression need stem cell transplant otherwise they will face worse prognosis. 

Lymphomas of the head and neck can occur in a any age group from children to older adults. 

Palpation of Lymph Nodes 

Location of Lymphadenopathy 

Throat Examination 

Head and neck lymphomas slowly develop symptoms over time rather than suddenly. 

Head and neck lymphoma patients may have swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, swallowing issues, and nasal congestion. 

Inflammatory Conditions 

Infectious Causes 

Malignant Tumors 

Therapies including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are widely preferred by surgeons in the treatment of lymphomas of the head and neck.  

Supportive care helps manage side effects of treatment like nausea. 

Appointments with medical physicians and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort. 

Otolaryngology

Patients with chondronecrosis should avoid exposure to environmental irritants that cause chemical and radiation exposure. 

Education should be given to individuals about cautious with activities that could cause lymphomas. 

Patient should quit smoking and alcohol, also start eating vegetables. 

Otolaryngology

Rituximab: It targets CD20 on B-lymphocytes and apoptosis by binding to the antigen on the cell surface. 

Otolaryngology

Ibrutinib: It blocks BTK enzyme in B-cell receptor pathway which disrupts signals, and changes tumor microenvironment in malignant B cells. 

Otolaryngology

Dexamethasone: It is used in the treatment of lymphoma to reduce symptoms such as pain, swelling, and tissue inflammation in the head and neck. 

Otolaryngology

Biopsy: The surgery involves removal of tissue for histological examination from affected areas. 

Endoscopic procedures such as nasopharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy, which assess the upper aerodigestive tract for lymphoma involvement to visualize and detect biopsy suspicious lesions. 

 

Otolaryngology

In the initial diagnosis phase, the physician assesses symptoms related to lymphomas, including a medical history and physical examination. 

In the supportive care and preventive measure phase all necessary steps should be taken by physicians to enhance the quality of life of the patient. 

The long-term management phase is important phase involves continuous monitoring and progress of treatment. 

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