Prevention Of Aids Related Lymphoma - 2833 Words

AIDS-related lymphoma is a broad term for a group of blood cancers that, as its name implies, affects AIDS patients. There are various types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) that this category encompasses, so it is not as clear-cut as one might imagine. AIDS-related lymphoma is a very complex disease with many factors to consider. It is important to understand the origin of AIDS-related lymphoma. According to the article â€Å"AIDS-Related Malignancies,† AIDS-related lymphoma is believed to be caused by the overproduction of B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is an important aspect of immunity. The low level of T-lymphocytes, another type of white blood cell, is characteristic of HIV, and it contributes to the unusual†¦show more content†¦It is important to understand the impact that AIDS has on B-lymphocytes due to these cells’ association with AIDS-related lymphoma. AIDS greatly increases an individual’s risk for developing NHL in his or her lifetime. Researchers note that HIV-positive individuals are 60 times more likely than HIV-negative individuals to be afflicted with NHL, and the incidence of this cancer is distributed evenly amongst all HIV-infected patients ranging from those were infected with the disease through intravenous drug use to homosexual and bisexual men who were infected as the result of a sexual encounter with an HIV-positive individual. AIDS-related lymphoma has been seen more frequently in white males (Mitsuyasu et al.). Furthermore, older age appears to contribute to NHL in HIV-infected patients (Bower et al. 28). In addition to these epidemics, there are other considerations to make about AIDS-related lymphoma. Because AIDS patients are immunocompromised, their health is constantly a concern. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there are risk factors in addition to having AIDS that increase the chances of developing NHL. Because AIDS suppresses the immune system, it is easier for a ffected individuals to develop NHL. One reason for this is that AIDS increases the likelihood of becoming infected with viruses that contribute to a person’s chances of developing certain cancers later in life. The Epstein-Barr Virus is an example of such pathogen. It