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Dr. Rajesh Patel, MD.
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Ask the Doctor!
July 2010
Q:
My father had celiac disease and he died of T cell lymphoma. I was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, and I am worried that I could also get lymphoma. Are the two connected?
-- C. Harvell, MN
A:
Celiac disease involves damage to the intestinal tract, resulting in significant malnutrition and various symptoms. The main reason for this condition seems to be an adverse reaction from the body's immune system when it's exposed to gluten-containing foods such as rye, wheat, and barley. T cell lymphomas also involve the immune system and lead to abnormal white blood cells that can spread anywhere in the body.
Your concern is warranted. Some research has shown that celiac disease does have some association with a higher risk of lymphoma. Yet the reason for this correlation is not as clear. One possible explanation could be that celiac disease can shock the immune system to produce enough inflammation that can lead to lymphoma formation. Given this rationale, it's all the more important to keep the "flare ups" of celiac disease at bay. A gluten-free diet helps curb the negative effects of this condition and reduces the risk of a future cancer.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, celiac disease can also be associated with other conditions, particularly with regard to autoimmune diseases like diabetes and thyroid dysfunction. Identifying any new symptoms and making routine visits to your physician are vital factors that help us stay ahead of any possible disease process. Pay special attention to symptoms such as chest pain, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or swallowing, abdominal fullness or pain, unusual fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and swollen or painful lymph nodes anywhere in the body.
In addition to symptoms, laboratory testing may be necessary to pinpoint any existing condition. Talk to your physician about your concern. In the visit, try to provide any pertinent historical information surrounding the health of your immediate family members. The earlier we detect a disease, the better the chance of successfully treating it. Vigilence is key.
Many of our readers who follow Dr. Patel's "Ask The Doctor" column have requested access to previous answers.
Therefore, we've created an archive starting with August 2008.
Archives
06.10 - Underlying Bladder Cancer
05.10 - Anxiety Disorders
04.10 - Secondary Liver Cancer
02.10 - Who Gets Polymyalgia?
01.10 - Assessing a Hydrocele
2009 Answers
2008 Answers
Submit your questions to askthedoctor@nowoodennickels.org
"Ask the Doctor" Disclaimer: It is not the intention of the above information to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide information for general educational purposes. For specific medical advice, I urge you to consult with your personal physician.
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