Metastases
By definition, a metastasis is a metastasis of a malignant disease in a distant organ. The degenerated cells of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are usually initially located in the lymph nodes. However, they can also be distributed throughout the body with the bloodstream and settle at a different location. If this concerns any organ of the body, stage IV would be assigned according to the Ann-Arbor classification.
What are the late effects?
The risk of a relapse varies from one non-Hodgkin lymphoma to another. This is often more difficult to treat and should be detected as early as possible with structured aftercare. The use of multiple chemotherapeutic agents increases the risk of developing a second tumor in the course of life.
Typical secondary tumors are breast cancer, thyroid cancer or acute myeloid leukemia, a form of white blood cancer. Irradiation can also cause late effects. The organs affected are those located in the vicinity of the irradiated lymph nodes.
On the skin, redness and tissue changes can be noticed. In the lungs, inflammation may occur, which may be accompanied by remodelling processes and possibly breathing difficulties.Damage to the heart, nausea and fatigue are also possible.
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