THE PRIME MINISTER RELIEF FUND: All you need to know

                                                    

The Prime minister relief fund was initially started by the former prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1948 with public contributions to help the displaced people from Pakistan. The.The funds  are now primarily utilized  to render immediate relief to families of those killed in natural calamities like floods, cyclones and earthquakes, etc. and to the victims of the major accidents and riots. Assistance is also rendered, to partially defray the expenses for medical treatment like heart surgeries, kidney transplantation, cancer treatment, etc. 

The fund consists entirely of public contributions and does not get any budgetary support. The corpus of the fund is invested with PSU banks in various forms. Disbursements are made with the approval of the Prime Minister. PMNRF has not been constituted by the Parliament. The fund is recognized as a Trust under the Income Tax Act and the same is managed by Prime Minister or multiple delegates for national causes. PMNRF operates from the Prime Minister’s Office, South Block, New Delhi-110011 and does not pays any license fee. PMNRF is exempt under Income Tax Act, 1961 under Section 10 and 139 for return purposes. Contributions towards PMNRF are notified for 100% deduction from taxable income under section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Prime Minister is the Chairman of PMNRF and is assisted by Officers/ Staff on honorary basis. Permanent Account Number of PMNRF is AACTP4637Q. PMNRF accepts only voluntary donations by individuals and institutions.

HOW TO APPLY:

Cancer patients can apply to the PMRF for financial assistance. For that one needs to apply to the Prime minister office directly with the cost estimate given by the patient's doctor. It may be useful in getting the application endorsed by the local constituency MP or MLA. Generally partial assistance is given.

      

The PMNRF Assistance Form

HOW TO DONATE:

Contributions to the Fund can be deposited in select branches of the Central Bank of India, State Bank of India, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Syndicate Bank and Punjab National ,through cheques or bank drafts in favour of the 'Prime Minister's National Relief Fund'. Receipt of the contribution will be acknowledged by the receiving bank, and the donation sent to the Fund account for deposit. Thereafter, a formal receipt for the contribution will be issued from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. All donors should ensure that the pay-in-slip is properly filled-in while making the deposit, to enable the Prime Minister's Office to issue the formal receipt. The Fund does not accept contributions in kind. Contributors who live outside India may deposit their contributions with the nearest Indian Mission or in any branch of the State Bank of India for transfer to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

LIST OF HOSPITALS WHERE PRMF IS APPLICABLE:

Delhi:

1.AIIMS HOSPITAL

2.INDRAPRASTHA APOLLO HOSPITAL,

3.BATRA HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE,

4.DHARAMSHILA CANCER INSTITUTE AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

5.ESCORTS HEART INSTITUTE AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

6.G.B. PANT HOSPITAL,

7.MAULANA AZAD MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL,

8.NATIONAL HEART INSTITUTE,

9.RAJIV GANDHI CANCER INSTITUTE AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

10.DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIA HOSPITAL,

11.SAFDARJUNG HOSPITAL,

12.SIR GANGA RAM HOSPITAL,

13.ST. STEPHEN HOSPITAL

Maharashtra:

1.ASHWINI CO-OPERATIVE HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTR

2.ACHARYA VINOBA BHAVE RURAL HOSPITAL

3.BOMBAY HOSPITAL AND INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

4.CENTRAL INDIA INSTT.OF MED. SCIENCE

 5.PRAMILARAJE GENERAL HOSPITAL

6.DEEN DAYAL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

7.NATIONAL HEART INSTITUTE,

8.GOVERMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL

9.GRANT MEDICAL FOUNDATION,

10.INAMDAR HEART HOSPITALS,

11.JEHANGIR HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTRE,

12.JASLOK HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

13.KEM HOSPITAL,

13.DR. K.G. DESHPANDE MEMORIAL CENTRE,

14.LEELAWATI HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

15LOKMANYA TILAK GENERAL HOSPITAL,

16.MILITARY HOSPITAL

17.MARATHWADA MEDICAL AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE,

18.DR. BALABHAI NANAWATI HOSPITAL

19.MUMBAI TATA MEMORIAL RURAL CANCER PROJECT

20.N.M. WADIA INSTITUTE OF CARDIOLOGY

21.PD HINDUJA NATIONAL HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE

For more hospitals see below:

http://www.medindia.net/financial_help_for_treatment/prime_minister_relief_fund_hospital_maharashtra.asp?name=MAHARASHTRA

Sources:

http://www.cancerhelpnet.in/resources-for-patients

http://www.archive.india.gov.in/howdo/otherservice_details.php?service=11

http://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/pms-funds/

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Srishti Jain.
(Yoddhas Ambassador)

WHEN CHILDREN BECOME THE VICTIM OF THE 'CANCER DEVIL'

                                               

We’ve all watched movies where the hero fights the bad guys dodging various obstacles, encountering odds and fighting valiantly to come out victorious in the end.

The bad guy here is ‘Cancer’ and the hero is a little naïve child.

When a child or teen is diagnosed with cancer it comes like a blow to the parents, siblings, and others who love them. The cancer creates a crisis in the normal life of each family member. But just like our movies, it is our responsibility to handle obstacles sportingly and try to emerge out as heroes in the life of our children.

The types of cancers that occur most often in a child are different from those seen in adults. The most common cancers of children are:

• Leukemia - cancers of the blood and bone marrow account for about 30% of all cancers in children. These can cause bone and joint pain, fatigue, pale skin, bleeding, weight loss and fever.
• Brain and Central Nervous System tumors- constitute about 26% of childhood cancers. Most brain tumors in children initiate in the cerebellum. They can cause nausea,headaches, vomiting, blurred vision and dizziness.
• Bone cancer- Osteosarcoma is common in teens, and usually develops near the ends of the long bones in arms or legs. Ewing sarcoma is another type of bone cancer occurring in the pelvic bones, the chest wall or in the middle of the long leg bones.
• Lymphoma -These cancers start in the lymphocytes. They grow in lymph nodes and other lymph tissues, like the tonsils. Lymphomas can cause fever, weight loss, sweats, tiredness and lumps.
• Neurolastoma- starts in early forms of nerve cells found in a fetus and constitute for about 6% of childhood cancer.This tumor starts usually in the belly and can be noticed as a swelling.
•  Nephroblastoma accounts for roughly 5% of childhood cancers. It starts in one or both kidneys. It is most often found in children of the age group of 3- 4 years.
• Retinoblastoma- is a cancer of the eye and makes up for about 2% of childhood cancers. It normally occurs in children around the age of 2.

The family of a child diagnosed with cancer goes through a potpourri of mental turbulence. All parents seem to feel shock,fear, guilt, sadness, anger and anxiety. To add to the stress, parents feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster ride. The daily psychological, physical, financial and mental frustration of dealing with a complex health care system, new places, and many different care providers can also enhance disturbance and anger. 

                                          

There are various methods which parents should adopt while dealing with such a situation:

• Remembering that feelings of panic and shock will pass with time.
• The disbelief and denial that strikes at first can help buffer feelings of agony and stress. Some denial is perfectly normal and not harmful unless it keeps a child from getting the proper timely treatment.
• Having a thorough check of the reputation of the medical center and qualifications of the treatment team.
• Asking for help and getting a second opinion if necessary and reviewing the information.
• Talking with a team social workers working to fight cancer, about their feelings.
• Seeking comfort from family members or friends. Understandably, when unhappy,parents may want to avoid taking part in social activities. But having a break and being distracted from the cancer and its treatment will do everyone good.
• Seeking spiritual support, getting guidance from pastors, using prayer and meditation as a means of stress reliever.

Parents need to take cancer up as a challenge and help their children realize that they will always fight the battle together. Innocent as they are, children need to be properly explained about the disease, its effects and treatments. Different age groups require diverse methods of care and methods of understanding these complexities.

                           

Ages 0 to 3–Are not capable of understanding the term ‘cancer’ and are most afraid that the hospital staff will take them away from their parents and are deathly scared of medical treatments. Parents need to assure them that they will not abandon them.

Ages 3 to 7 - Can understand if the term ‘cancer’is explained in simple terms. Being honest with the child about the various tests , medicines and treatments helps. Also, it must be explained that the doctors are treating them to help make them better.

Ages 7 to 12 - can understand a more detailed explanation of cancer. It is best to be honest with them about pain likely from tests and treatments. Kids at this age tend to hear about information regarding cancer from other sources, such as school, TV, and the Internet. It will help, if the parents and children discuss it together instead of letting the poor kid engulf himself in a shadow of doubts and delusions.

Teenagers–are capable of understanding about a detailed and complex explanation of cancer and may have many related questions. They are likely to think about their cancer in terms of its symptoms and the effect it will have in daily activities, such as friends, school and sports.Teens also may have access to various other sources of information so they may want to play a role in making considerable decisions about their treatment. It is in the best interest to talk honestly with them about the possible side effects.

  

                                           

A brief, single conversation between the parent and child probably won't be enough. Having frequent discussions will help to keep the lines of communication open. Parents should try to be honest and encourage children to inquire about their doubts. Sharing feelings with children gives them support and the faith that their parents were, are and will always be the strongest pillars of their lives.

Cancer can come as a turbulent storm in our peaceful life but we need to stand steadfast in the face of difficulty and show the demon that we will not be deterred by it. 

                    

Yoddhas we are and as Yoddhas we shall fight!

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Ivy Sinha
(Yoddhas Ambassador)

YOGA FOR A HEALTHY LIVING,YOGA FOR CANCER

                                                   

Yoga is the practice of creating unity between mind and body. When there's a disconnect between mind and body, our lives move out of balance, causing stress, fatigue and ultimately, illness. When you unify your mind and body through yoga, the reverse occurs. Your body can start to heal and re-balance naturally, helping you to feel healthier, happier and more alive.

Here are a few reasons that yoga helps you heal:

1. Yoga brings attention to your breathing, which is the single most important thing that you do every day.

2. Yoga is a spiritual practice that allows your mind to soften and your heart to open.It can bring your awareness to the tension being held in your body, so that you can let it go.

3. Yoga can help you stay connected to yourself. Its a great way to know what is important for your body and soul.

4. Yoga can help you to gain clarity about things you're working through each day.

5. Yoga can help you move beyond a negative inner-dialogue.

6. Balance poses in yoga invite you to get out of your head and into your body.. There are lots of different styles and levels of yoga allowing you to find the best 'fit' for you

7. Yoga gives you healing tools to better cope with stressful events and trauma.

8. Yoga re-balances your body and can help with weight loss, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), inflammation and other chronic ailments.

9. Yoga classes are a great way to meet new, interesting and like-minded people.

10. Creating a regular yoga practice can bring more flexibility and strength to your body. the twists in yoga can help you feel stronger and better able to cope with life's unexpected turns.

11. Yoga supports you to consciously make better and healthier food choices.

12. Yoga opens you up to new feelings like inspiration, joy and gratitude.

YOGA AND CANCER:

                                  

There is no assurance that yoga will cure cancer; however, it may make cancer and its treatment more bearable, both physically and emotionally.

Cancer patients are discovering that yoga offers both an accessible form of exercise and a path to mental clarity that is a welcome addition during and after treatment.

For cancer patients, the breathing and meditative aspects of the practice can create much needed clarity and peace, while the poses themselves provide a beneficial form of exercise during treatment.

As one of the steps on Patanjali’s eight-step path of yoga, pranayama has been practiced by yogis for thousands of years as a way to quiet the mind and tap into the subtle, energetic realms of the body. Prana is a Sanskrit term for the vital life force that animates all things; ayama translates as extension or elongation. Pranayama enables the practitioner to access prana and connect with the vast energetic network of the subtle body by controlling and playing with the flow of breath.

Current research has shown that beyond these subtle effects, pranayama has numerous observable health benefits. Several studies provide evidence that yogic breathing exercises help to induce a relaxed state by enhancing the action of the parasympathetic nervous system (otherwise known as the “rest-and-digest response”).

Researchers at the University of California – San Francisco investigated how the health benefits of pranayama specifically apply to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. 

The study had two aims:

1. To determine whether it’s feasible for patients undergoing chemotherapy to practice pranayama

2. To gauge the effect of pranayama on common chemotherapy-associated symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance, stress, anxiety, depression) and quality of life (QOL)

The researchers concluded that pranayama is appropriate, beneficial, and can be safely recommended for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further study in this area will hopefully offer even more definitive evidence of pranayama’s efficacy.

Below are instructions for the four breathing techniques taught to and practiced by patients in the study.

1. BREATH OBSERVATION:

Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Breathe naturally. Avoid forcing, controlling or manipulating your breath. Shift your attention to your breath. Simply observe and experience it without any judgment. You might notice the soft whispering sound the breath creates; how long or short the breath is; how deep or shallow it feels; or where in your body you feel the breath most noticeably. At certain points during this practice, you might notice that your mind is no longer focused on the breath. When this happens, acknowledge that the mind has wandered and gently guide it back to the breath.

2. UJJAYI (Victoriously Uprising Breath):

Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Keeping the mouth closed, inhale and exhale through the nose. Partially close the glottis (the opening between the vocal folds) by slightly constricting the muscles at the back of the throat. The action in these muscles should feel the same as when you exhale your breath onto a mirror to create fog. As the muscles contract, you’ll begin to notice that your breath creates a soft whispering sound similar to the sound of the ocean. Continue to create this sound with the breath and find a steady rhythm, breathing in for the same amount of time that you breathe out.

KAPALBHATTI* (Skull Shining Breath)

                                                            

Sit comfortably in an upright position and bring your attention to your lower belly. It can be helpful to rest one or two hands on the belly below the navel. Breathe in deeply then exhale completely. Inhale about halfway; then begin a series of short, sharp exhalations by pumping the abdomen. After forcing the air out by contracting the abdomen, release the belly and passively inhale. Repeat this several times. Start with however many breath cycles (one inhale and one exhale) you can comfortably do, then relax and breathe normally. Gradually over time, increase the number of cycles.

*Kapalabhati is not recommended if you are pregnant or suffer from high or low blood pressure, glaucoma, cardiac issues, or hernia.

3. NADI SHODHANA (Alternate Nostril Breath):

             

Sit comfortably in an upright position. Spread the fingers of the right hand. Create Vishnu Mudra by curling the right index and middle fingers in towards the palm, while the thumb, ring finger and pinky remain extended. Hold the right hand just beside the nose as you take a deep breath in through both nostrils. Close the right nostril with the thumb then exhale through the left. Inhale through the left, close both nostrils by lightly touching the ring finger to the left nostril and the thumb to the right. Lift the thumb and exhale through the right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril, close both, then lift the ring finger and exhale through the left. Continue for several cycles of breath.

BELIEVE in yourself and go wisely. If you are detected with Cancer in early stages then follow the precautions and rules and see the magic of your spiritualism and yoga. Take care and live well!

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Srishti Jain.
(Yoddhas Ambassador)

PET CT SCAN - All you need to know

What is a PET CT scan?

                                         

This advanced nuclear imaging technique combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) into one machine. A PET/CT scan reveals information about both the structure and function of cells and tissues in the body during a single imaging session.

A PET CT scan can identify changes in functioning of organs at a very early stage, often before structural changes take place. The study utilizes small amounts of radioactive tracers, which when injected into the body, give information about different body functions.

How is it different from CT or MRI?

CT, MRI and other radiological modalities like X ray, ultrasonography are structural imaging modalities, which means, they look at the size and shape of organs and other body structures.

PET imaging on the other hand, looks at functions within the body.

Hence when combined with CT, they give more information than a CT or MRI alone and pick up altered function due to disease process at a much earlier stage, before structural changes happen.

Why have I been recommended a PET CT scan?

The commonest use of this scan is in cancers, where it is used to detect and identify the areas of spread of the cancer, monitor response to treatment or plan for radiotherapy, or to guide biopsy.

PET CT scanning can also be used to evaluate certain heart diseases or neurological conditions.

Is PET safe ?

                                                     

The risks associated with PET scan are very low. PET scan involves a very small amount of radioactive tracer injected into your body which decays by itself with time and is also excreted out by the body continuously through urine. The total radiation exposure during a PET CT scan roughly equals two CT scans of abdomen and pelvis.

The injected contrast material used for the CT part of the study may cause some allergy rarely, in a few patients.

Family members of the patient undergoing the scan are not at risk due to radiation because most of the radioactive medicine injected decays by the time the scan is over.

However, this radioactive exposure carries a risk for a pregnant woman carrying an unborn child and any radioactive tests should not be performed during pregnancy. Please inform your doctor before the procedure if you suspect to be pregnant.

What happens during a PET scan? Is it painful?

                  

A PET CT scanner machine is quite similar to a CT machine and not a closed tunnel like MRI.

The patient is asked to come fasting for the test and an intravenous canulla is placed in one of the peripheral veins (on hands or arms usually). The radioactive tracer is injected and the patient is asked to rest in an isolation area for a stipulated time (usually 60-120 minutes) and sip some oral contrast material. The most commonly used radioactive tracer (Fluorodeoxyglucose) is an inert substance and does not cause any interaction or side effects in the body.

The scanning procedure per se is painless and intravenous CT contrast may or may not be used during the scan, as per the need and physician’s discretion. 

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 
Join our free patients group https://www.facebook.com/groups/yoddhathewarrior/

Lastly, Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Author- 

   

Dr.Sugandha Dureja

Founder Member,
MBBS, DNB, FEBNM
Fellow Theranostics (Germany)
At. Consultant, Nuclear Medicine
FMRI, Gurgaon
CNETS India.
Also Yoddhas Medical Expert Panelist

MEDICAL BLOGS:LYMPHOMAS

Lymphoma is cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. These cells are in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts of the body. When you have lymphoma, lymphocytes change and grow out of control.

                                      

There are two main types of lymphoma:
Every type of lymphoma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment.
Scientists don't know what causes lymphoma in most cases.
  *When did you first notice changes?
  * Do you have pain? Where?
  * How is your appetite?
  * Have you lost any weight
  * Do you feel tired or weak?
  * Have you ever been treated for lymphoma or another cancer?
  * Do you have any infections or illnesses?
  * Do any cancers run in your family?
You might get a lymph node biopsy to check for cancer cells. For this test, your doctor will remove all or part of a lymph node, or use a needle to take a small amount of tissue from the affected node.
These include:
   * Immunophenotyping
   * Flow cytometry
   * Fluorescence in situ hybridization testing
Classification systems generally classify lymphoma according to:
1)  Whether or not it is a Hodgkin lymphoma
2) Whether the cell that is replicating is a T cell or B cell
3) The site from which the cell arises

CT scan or PET scan imaging modalities are used to stage a cancer.
   * What stage is my cancer?
   * Have you treated people with this kind of lymphoma before?
   * What treatments do you recommend?
   * How will the treatments make me feel?
   * What will help me feel better during my treatment?
   * Are there any complementary treatments I could consider, along with the medical care? Are there any I should avoid?
The main treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma are:
   * Chemotherapy. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
   * Radiation therapy. It uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
   * Immunotherapy. It uses your body's own immune system to attack cancer cells.
   * Radiation therapy
   * An autologous transplant uses your own stem cells.
   * An allogeneic transplant uses stem cells taken from a donor
Treatment for these types of lymphoma typically consists of aggressive chemotherapy, including the CHOP or R-CHOP regimen. A number of people are cured with first-line chemotherapy
Most relapses occur within the first two years, and the relapse risk drops significantly thereafter.
For people who relapse, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation is a proven approach.
Advanced Hodgkin disease requires systemic chemotherapy, sometimes combined with radiotherapy. Chemotherapy used includes the ABVD regimen, which is commonly used in the United States. Other regimens used in the management of Hodgkin lymphoma include BEACOPP and Stanford V. Encouragingly, a significant number of people who relapse after ABVD can still be salvaged by stem cell transplant.
Lymphoma treatment can cause side effects. Talk to your medical team about ways to relieve any symptoms you have.
Also ask your doctor about changes to your diet and exercise that will help you feel better during your treatment. Ask a dietician for help if you're not sure what types of food to eat. Exercises like walking or swimming can relieve fatigue and help you feel better during treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. You might also try alternative therapies like relaxation, yoga, meditation to relieve the pain.
  * The kind of lymphoma you have
  * How far the cancer has spread
  * Your age
  * The type of treatment you get
  * Other associated health problems you may have.

·      Non-Hodgkin: Most people with lymphoma have this type.

·      Hodgkin

Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma each affect a different kind of lymphocyte. 

Even though lymphoma is cancer, it is very treatable.

Causes:

You might be more likely to get it if you:

·      Are in your 60s or older

·      Are male

·       Have a weak immune system from HIV/AIDS, an organ transplant, or because you were born with an immune disorder

·       Have an immune system disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, or celiac disease

·       Have been infected with a virus such as Epstein-Barr, hepatitis C virus, T- cell leukemia/lymphoma (HTLV-1), or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)

·       Have a close relative who had lymphoma

·      Were exposed to benzene or chemicals that kill bugs and weeds

·       Were treated for Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the past

·       Were treated for cancer with radiation

Symptoms:

·      Swollen glands (lymph nodes), often in the neck, armpit, or groin

·       Cough

·       Shortness of breath

·       Fever

·      Night sweats

·      Stomach pain

·      Fatigue

·       Weight loss

·      Itching

Getting a Diagnosis

Before you have any tests, your doctor will want to know:

Your doctor will check you for signs of lymphoma and will feel for swollen lymph nodes. This symptom doesn't mean you have cancer. Most of the time, an infection unrelated to cancer causes swollen lymph nodes.

You might also have one of these tests to see how far the lymphoma has spread:

·      Blood test. 

·      Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy. Your doctor uses a needle to remove fluid or tissue from your bone marrow, to look for lymphoma cells.

·      Chest X-ray.

·      MRI..

·      PET scan. It uses a radioactive substance to look for cancer cells in your body

·       Molecular test. It looks for changes to genes, proteins, and other substances in cancer cells to help your doctor figure out which type of lymphoma you have.

Several classification systems have existed for lymphoma, which use histological and other findings to divide lymphoma into different categories. The classification of a lymphoma can affect treatment and prognosis

Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most commonly known types of lymphoma and differs from other forms of lymphoma in its prognosis and several pathological characteristics. It is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed Sternberg cell.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas include all lymphomas, except Hodgkins lymphoma, and are more common than Hodgkin lymphoma. A wide variety of lymphomas are in this class, and the causes, the types of cells involved, and the prognosis vary by type. The incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma increases with age. It is further divided into several subtypes.

STAGING OF CANCER:

After a diagnosis and before treatment, a cancer is staged. This helps to determine, if the cancer has spread, and if so, whether locally or to distant sites. Staging is reported as a grade between I (confined) and IV (spread).Staging is carried out because the stage of a cancer impacts its prognosis and treatment.

The Ann Arbor staging system is routinely used for staging of both HL and NHL. In this staging system, I represents a localized disease contained within a lymph node, II represents the presence of lymphoma in two or more lymph nodes, III represents spread of the lymphoma to both sides of the diaphragm, and IV indicates tissue outside a lymph node.

Questions You Can Ask Your Doctor

   *What type of lymphoma do I have?

Treatment

The treatment you get depends on what type of lymphoma you have and how far it has spread.

The main treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma are:

   * Chemotherapy

If these treatments don't work, you might have a stem cell transplant. First you'll get very high doses of chemotherapy. This treatment kills cancer cells, but it also destroys stem cells in your bone marrow that make new blood cells. After chemotherapy, you will get a transplant of stem cells to replace the ones that were destroyed.

Two types of stem cell transplants can be done:

Many low-grade lymphomas remain indolent for many years. Treatment of an assymptomatic patient is often avoided. In these forms of lymphoma, such as follicular lymphoma, watchful waiting is often the initial course of action as the risks of treatment outweigh the benefits.

Treatment of more aggressive, forms of lymphoma can result in a cure in the majority of cases, but the prognosis for patients with a poor response to therapy is worse.

Hodgkin lymphoma typically is treated with radiotherapy alone, as long as it is localized.

Taking Care of Yourself:

Your outlook depends on:

Getting Support

·      You can get support from people who have gone through this kind of illness.

·      Contact the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Lymphoma Research Foundation to learn more.

·      Team Yoddhas online support group in India

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 
Join our free patients group https://www.facebook.com/groups/yoddhathewarrior/

Lastly, Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Author- 

   

Dr. Gayatri Bhat

Doctor , blood cancer survivor and a member of Yoddhas Medical Expert Panel