Lymphoma, also called “lymphosarcoma,” is a highly malignant tumor of the lymph system. It is the most common form of cancer in both humans and small animals.

This statement appears on the title page of this web site but what does it really mean for you and your pet? Presumably you are here because your pet is suspected of having this form of cancer. Perhaps the diagnosis has already been confirmed. In either case, you want to know more and there turns out to be much more to know. Because lymphoma is a common form of cancer in humans, research and new development in this area abounds.  Animal patients as well as human patients have benefitted from this research. This web site serves as a primer to explain the basics of this condition and answer the most frequently asked lymphoma questions.

WHAT IS THE LYMPH SYSTEM?

Picture taken from Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog, Second Edition. W.B. Saunders Company.

The lymph system is represented by a network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes through which foreign proteins and disease organisms are circulated. The lymph nodes serve as immune system centers where these foreign substances may be presented to the cells of the immune system. There are many different types of immune-related cells; some produce anti-bodies, some circulate and destroy the foreign materials they encounter, some regulate the activity of other cells.

"Lymphocytes" are the primary cells of the lymph system and they act in the various ways mentioned. The lymph vessels serve as a circulatory path for lymphocytes in addition to serving as a collection system directing foreign substances toward the lymph nodes. Lymph vessels interface with the blood stream at several areas allowing lymphocytes greater area to patrol.

WHAT IS CANCER?

Cancer occurs when a normal cell “goes wrong.” Its normal regulatory processes disengage and it begins to divide quickly and without control. The organ to which the original cell belonged is destroyed as the cancer  cells obliterate its structure.   Other local tissues may also become invaded as the tumor cells grow inexorably into them.

 Cancer cells break off the primary tumor  and travel via blood or lymph vessels to new ares of the body. Wherever these cells lodge, they may start new tumors far from the original tumor but just as deadly. This process continues until there is not enough normal tissue left to sustain life.

WHAT IS LYMPHOMA?

When lymphocytes become cancerous within a lymph node, the node swells and hardens. Malignant lymphocytes readily travel through the lymph vessels to nearby lymph nodes. Soon all the nodes are enlarged.  Ultimately, the bone marrow (where most blood cells are formed) is affected, the immune system is destroyed, and severe anemia and weakness claim the victim's life.

WITHOUT TREATMENT, ANIMALS WITH LYMPHOMA ARE
EXPECTED TO LIVE 4-8 WEEKS FROM THE TIME OF DIAGNOSIS.

Most patients (especially dogs) are not feeling particularly sick at the time of diagnosis. It may be tempting to "hold off" on treatment until the pet seems more ill.  Waiting can drastically reduce the chance for long term survival; better remission quality is obtained if the patient is treated while he/she still feels healthy.

WHAT IS REMISSION?

Remission is the state in which tumor symptoms have been abated and the patient is as comfortable as and indistinguishable from any normal animal. Prolonged remission is the goal of cancer therapy which, for most lymphoma cases, means chemotherapy.

FOR ANY PATIENT, THERE IS AN APPROXIMATELY 75% CHANCE
OF ACHIEVING REMISSION REGARDLESS OF PROTOCOL USED.

This means that there is an excellent chance of reducing the tumor to undetectable levels.  How long a remission lasts depends on what protocol is used and a number of other factors. To learn more about where your pet fits into the statistics, please review the section on lymphoma in your pet's species (click the appropriate button to the left)

WHAT IS CURE?

Cure is the permanent removal of all traces of tumor such that no further treatment is needed. In effect, it is a permanent state of remission. While this is a possibility for your pet, it is more constructive and realistic to focus on increasing quality lifetime.  Treatment may be thought of as an exchange of only a short time with your pet for a long time with your pet.   It is important to keep goals in proper perspective through the treatment of this cancer.