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Background material by Professor Omar Hasan Kasule Sr. for Year 2 Semester 1 Med PPSD Session on 10th September 2008
Background
Lymphomas arising out of B cells are classified as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL).
HL presents as lymphadenopathy that may be symptomless or may be associated with symptoms of varying degrees of severity depending on the degree of invasion or compression of neighboring organs. The spread of lymphomas is contiguous ie from one organ to another. NHL is treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of the two. Prognosis is good for disease that is discovered early.
NHL are either of B cell or T cell origin. High grade NHL are characterized by rapid proliferation. The symptoms and signs are determined by the site and the extent of the growth. NHL is treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies. Autologous stem cell transplantation has been also used in treatment.
Ethico-legal-fiqh issues
Issues that arise in the management of lymphomas are related to the presenting symptoms and signs as well as the method of treatment chosen. These issues are not peculiar to this group of diseases and the general ethico-legal guidelines that have been presented before can be applied.