Germs that can cause illnesses are present everywhere in the environment. Humans can come in contact with them, and they can get into the body system via ingestion, inhalation, or through the skin. Fortunately, the body has its immune system, which serves as a germ-fighting network. All things being equal, the body’s germ-fighting network stands alert and is ready to strike when it notices strange elements. However, if unfortunately, any of the systems in the body’s germ-fighting network gets attacked and becomes cancerous, it will not only leave the body void of protection from germs, cancer can begin to grow and affect other systems in the body. One of the types of cancer that can affect the body’s germ-fighting system is lymphoma.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins as a result of abnormal growth in the cells of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system functions as one of the two circulatory systems in the body responsible for nutrients, cells, and fluids. It aids the circulation of some of the nutrients and cells needed by the immune, blood, and digestive systems.
The lymphatic system comprises the lymph nodes, bone marrow, tonsils, thymus, spleen, and other tissues in the mucous membranes. All these parts of the lymphatic system house cells called lymphocytes.
In addition, lymphocytes are present in other parts of the body. Hence, they cause lymphoma when they begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably.
Patients who have developed lymphoma can experience unresolved swelling of the lymph nodes in different parts of the body, enlarged spleen, persistent fever, swollen abdomen, etc.
If a case of lymphoma is not quickly detected, it can continue to spread from the lymph nodes to other parts of the body.
Types of Lymphoma
Lymphoma is of two major types. However, research has shown several types and subtypes of this cancer.
The two major types are; Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
These types of lymphoma affect different types of lymphocyte cells. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma most times affects the B-cell and T-cell, while Hodgkin’s lymphoma affects the RS cells.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, popularly called NHL, is the most common type. According to cancer.net, NHL accounts for 4% of all cancers in the United States. According to the U.S Cancer Statistics, 71,575 new cases of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma were reported, and 20,270 people died of this cancer in 2019 alone.
On the other hand, the National Cancer Institute reported that, in 2019, an estimated 218,740 people were living with Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States.
What causes lymphoma?
Different researchers have found many plausible explanations for the causes of lymphoma. However, all the causes of lymphoma haven’t been fully understood.
To name a few, research has shown that folks with a weak immune system as a result of HIV are at a higher risk of lymphoma. In addition, viruses that attack the lymphocytes are also identified causes.
However, there have been various court cases where exposure to certain chemicals has been claimed to be the cause of a type of lymphoma. One such case is Watts v. Radiator Specialty Co. Another example is the case of Knight v. Kirby Inland Marine Inc, where two tankermen filed a lawsuit against their employer claiming that exposure to various toxic chemicals caused their cancers, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Furthermore, there have been prominent lawsuits linking the causes of lymphoma to the use of certain types of drugs.
Hence, if you have a case of lymphoma, don’t be afraid to bring up a causation action against a third party who may have been liable for the cause.
How 3D animation comes in
In today’s legal setting, the use of 3D animation has become more common in the courtroom. According to the American Bar Association, “nearly every state and federal circuit has addressed its use.”
Hence, in a case involving lymphoma and/or its causation, animation of the lymphatic system and what happens when lymphoma develops in the body system can come in handy and serve as a medical trial exhibit.
Once an expert witness has put their opinions and facts of the case together, to help the jury understand all the jargon, a medical animation can be introduced, serving as an interactive medical exhibit during the case.
In conclusion, due to the rules surrounding the admissibility of medical demonstrative evidence like medical animation, a 3D animation of lymphoma or lymphocytes should be created by a medical animation company experienced in creating admissible graphics for trial.
