Reading this headline one might be forgiven for thinking that lymphoma is a natural progression of rheumatoid arthritis, not to mention the fear that this type of headline might engender.
Further research has enlightened me as to why lymphoma might be associated with arthritis. It appears that a number of people who have been prescribed methotrexate have developed lymphoma, and when the drug was withdrawn, the lymphoma regressed.
An article in Science Daily reported that: ” Two years or more of oral steroid treatment decreases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis related lymphoma”. Really? You may manage to avoid lymphoma, but what might be the consequences of long term ingestion of steriods?
Here are some of the possible side effects: Acne, blurred vision, cataracts or glaucoma, easy bruising, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure,increased appetite, weight gain,increased growth of body hair,lower resistance to infection, muscle weakness,nervousness, restlessness,osteoporosis,stomach irritation,sudden mood swings, swollen puffy face (moonface) water retention, often referred to as a Humpty Dumpty appearance, worsening of diabetes, stretch marks, and wounds, ulcers, sores, which refuse to heal. All of this to avoid the possibility of lymphoma which is not normally associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
The treatment seems far worse than the original rheumatoid arthritis, not to make light of such a painful and debilitating disease.
“July 18th issue of the British Medical Journal, the study authors recommend “potent immunosuppressive treatment” for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to both treat their disease and to prevent against the development of lymphoma”.
The often used methotrexate is one of those ” potent immunosuppressive treatments” The possible side effects of this drug and others like it: Methotrexate has some possible very serious side effects attached to it, here are some: liver damage, lung damage,kidney damage, may cause a decrease in the number of blood cells, anemia, or othere problems with blood cells.Possible intestinal damage, a severe rash which may be life threatening, a decrease the activity of the immune system and result in severe infections. ” taking methotrexate may increase the risk that you will develop lymphoma”.Reference: MedlinePlus.



