Celiac and lymphoma

[katlen]

I have a multidisciplinary question.  I read that celiac syndrome predisposes sufferer to lymphomas.  I suffered for years from inflammation and edema that I was sure was related to food.  It took 10 months of severe malabsorption plus fainting every time I stood up, and a visit to the emergency room before I found out what it was by googling my symptoms (doc kept saying to take Imodium (immodium)!).  Got the diagnosis of celiac in January last year.  Felt terrific on new diet plus supplements.  Then two months later a diagnosis of lymphoma - but cutaneous.  I have been really working hard and careful to eliminate gluten and have been feeling a lot better, but it can take a couple of years to come back from what amounted to a complete system breakdown.  On top of that, I'm on chemotherapies that mess with the immune system.  My question is, shouldn't my dermatological oncology team be working with a gastroenterologist?  I feeI that many doctors don't really understand the issues with celiac and all the havoc it can wreak on the system. I am sure that it caused the lymphoma even though in an unexpected place.  Might it not take extra time for chemotherapies to work?   I also read a clinical paper that said that interleukin 7 is made in the intestine and is necessary for healthy T-cells.  So the celiac having destroyed the lining of the intestine=no IL7 = messed up t-cells = cutaneous lymphoma.  Anyway, what a mess.  I do want the oncology team to pay attention to the special needs of repairing a celiac intestine!  thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I cannot comment on your specific case without reviewing your record.

Unfortunately specialists don't have optimal communication with each other.  Ideally, your primary care physician should be receiving all the reports, and coordinating your care.  

The specific cancer questions should be directed at your oncology team.  And you should discuss your concerns about the specialists with your primary care physician who can help interpret the tests and facilitate communication.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com