Lymphoma is a general term for cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps the body fight disease and infection. It includes a network of thin tubes that branch, like blood vessels, into tissues throughout the body. Lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a colorless, watery fluid that contains infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. Along this network of vessels are small organs called lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen. There are two types of cancer of the lymph system: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Hodgkin's disease is one type of lymphoma. All other lymphomas are grouped together and are called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the lymph glands, which includes the lymph nodes and the spleen. It most frequently occurs in young adults. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes; it begins when a type of white blood cell, called a T cell or B cell, becomes abnormal. The cell divides again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can spread to almost any other part of the body. In NHL, the body's ability to resist infection is greatly reduces because fewer than normal white blood cells are being produced. In addition, the cancer is able to spread more rapidly. NHL is the fifth most common cancer in the U.S. and it is rapidly increasing.

Hodgkin lymphoma:

Symptoms:

• Enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen (which is generally not painful).
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin
• Reddened patches on the skin
• Unexplained fever
• Night sweats
• Constant fatigue

Causes: The function of the lymphatic system is to protect the body against toxins of various types. Foreign substances that are carried off through the lymphatic vessels are temporarily stored in lymphatic organs (the spleen, nodes, tonsils and appendix). If these organs are removed or become clogged and because too much waste matter that is being channeled through them, then trouble occurs.

Natural Remedies: Contact your physician.

• Go on a vegetable and juice fast for 2-3 days; then eat nourishing food (fiber rich fruits, vegetable and whole grain) and fast again every few days.
• It is important to detoxify you system, so it can restore itself.
• Keep the bowels open. Do not strain at the stool: for this could injure a temporary enlarged spleen.
• Exercise, especially stretching is important because the muscles move the lymphatic waste.
• Steam baths, salt glows, putting a cup of vinegar to a bathtub and hot and cold water treatments will also help detoxify and invigorate the body.
• Helpful herbs include Echinacea, pau d'arco and red clover.
• Stop eating all refined and junk foods. Stop smoking and drinking liquor. You must live right if you are to recover.

Non-Hodgkin

Symptoms: Enlargement of lymph nodes (painless), fever, night sweats, fatigue and weight loss. Over symptoms includes:

• If cancer is in abdomen: vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, or abdominal enlargement.
• If in the chest: shortness of breath and coughing.
• If in the brain: vision changes, headaches, seizures.
• If in the bone marrow: anemia.
• If in the thymus: shortness of breath or feeling of suffocation, plus coughing.

Causes: Causes include exposure to herbicides, pesticides, black hair dye, benzene, meat eating, AIDS, immune-depressant drugs, or previous organ transplantation.

Natural Remedies: Contact you physician.

• Eat nourishing diet of fruits and vegetables, and drink fresh juices of carrot, cabbage, wheatgrass and red beet.
• Exercise at least 5x a week for 1 hour. Exercise move the lymphatic system and remove waste out of the body.
• Immediately stop eating meat, especially the processed one.
• Stop using tobacco and alcohol.
• Do not eat junk food.
• The second study found that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation reduced risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.