Celebrities Who Have Had Lymphoma

There are many different subcategories of both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including lymphoma of the skin, and a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. Every individual’s battle against lymphoma can be different, and with any cancer, hope can be in short supply. However, some celebrities have turned their struggle into a message of hope for those who lived through or are currently battling cancer.

How lymphoma shows itself

Many patients discover that they have cancer by noticing a swollen area, or a lump on their body. For lymphoma patients, the earliest and most common signs are swollen lymph nodes. Everyone has lymph nodes covering most of their bodies; they are little organs that carry white blood cells throughout the body. They also filter out foreign particles, and help keep the body healthy on the inside.

When the lymphatic system itself becomes cancerous, the prognosis can be difficult. According to the American Cancer Society, lymphoma is “a cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body’s immune system.” There are several different types of lymphoma, and each one has a different treatment process and outlook. As with any cancer, a doctor must take a sample of the tumor or affected area and test to determine whether or not the lump is malignant or benign.

Most commonly, a person will be diagnosed with either Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Both types begin in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are key mechanisms in the functionality of the immune system. If cancer is suspected, a doctor will examine a sample of lymphocyte cells in order to determine whether or not the cancer is Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin. If the doctor finds a specific type of abnormal cell, call a Reed-Sternberg cell, then the cancer is Hodgkin lymphoma.

Recurrent lymphoma

Lymphoma, like many other cancers, doesn’t discriminate. It affects people across all ethnicities, ages, and status from all walks of life. Just above two percent of men and women will have non-Hodgkin lymphoma throughout their lifetime. However, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is very treatable with chemotherapy, with most recurrences occurring within two years of original treatment. Early symptoms of recurrent cancer can vary, and they can seem unassuming, like cold and flu symptoms. If anyone who has had lymphoma develops unexplainable symptoms, it is advised to consult a doctor.

After lymphoma treatment, patients are advised to follow up with their oncologist in order to prevent cancer relapse as best as possible, or detect it early. Every day, scientists and medical professionals work diligently to find a cure and have made gigantic strides in terms of treatment.

If you or a loved one are concerned about lymphoma or have noticed any bodily changes, speak with your doctor to discuss the next steps to take.

The following celebrities have brought awareness to lymphoma by publicly fighting their conditions, and their stories show that cancer can affect anyone. However, heightened awareness is the key to early detection and diagnosis, and therefore to better prognosis among all age groups.

Photo: Mr T being interviewed by Annie Mole