What is AIDS-Related Lymphoma?

AIDS is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks the human immune system and hinders the body from fighting off infection and disease. Lymphoma itself is a cancer that starts in the immune system cells and affects B and T lymph cells. Lymphoma can be divided into two categories: Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's lymphoma is defined by the development of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are giant cells derived from B lymphocytes that are detected during biopsy. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer that occurs when Reed-Sternberg cells are not present and can be divided into subcategories of indolent cancers (slow-growing course) and aggressive cancers (fast-growing course).

AIDS-related lymphoma is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are identified. Most of these HIV-related lymphomas arise from B-cells, but occasionally some arise from T-cells. The lymph system is made up of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus, the tonsils, bone marrow, and lymph, the fluid that carries white blood cells through the lymph system. Lymph itself is a colorless, watery fluid that contains lymphocytes, the cells that protect against infection and tumor growth. When AIDS-related lymphoma occurs outside of the lymph nodes, it may begin in the bone marrow, liver, meninges, or the gastrointestinal tract. Once AIDS-related lymphoma is present, it may spread to nearby areas through body tissue, to more distant parts of the body through the lymph system or the blood. Due to the many newer therapies available, the occurrence of AIDS-related lymphoma has decreased, however it is still higher than the rate of incidence of lymphomas in patients who do not have AIDS.

Overview of What to Expect: Diagnosis to Treatment to Recovery

After Treatment/Recovery

If you have finished you treatment, you will be in "remission" (showing no evidence of AIDS-related lymphoma). However, you will still make visits to the hospital clinic for "follow-ups". You will also continue to be followed up by your HIV clinic. The frequency of these follow-up appointments depends on your overall health and risk for relapse (cancer coming back). The longer that you remain in remission, the smaller the chance of relapse.