Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Increase Risk Of Lymphoma, Warns A Doctor

The longer a person has had rheumatoid arthritis, the greater are their chances of developing cancer, a doctor said, adding that it is important to diagnose this condition in a timely manner.

Rheumatoid arthritis raises the chances of lymphoma, which can be described as a group of blood cancers that tend to develop in the lymph system, said a doctor. (Photo: Freepik)

Rheumatoid arthritis and cancer risk: Among the many health conditions that need timely diagnosis and treatment is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which, if left unmanaged, can cause inflammation. This inflammation, in turn, can make one prone to lymphoma. Lymphoma, for those in the unknown, is a type of cancer of the blood that affects the lymphatic and immune systems. According to Dr Dhananjay Parab, orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon at Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai, it is the need of the hour to manage RA per a doctor's guidance to prevent lymphoma. Read on to find out more.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Dr Parab explained that RA is a debilitating condition that causes inflammation in the joints and tissues. It is commonly seen in the hands, wrists, and feet. The symptoms are:

• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Poor appetite
• Reduced balance
• Higher risk of falls, weakness, fatigue, and tender joints.

"RA can interfere with one's daily routine and impact the quality of life," he said, adding that genetics, smoking, obesity, and family history are some of the factors that cause it.

The doctor also said that the complications associated with this condition are osteoporosis, infections, lung disease, and even lymphoma. "Rheumatoid arthritis raises the chances of lymphoma, which can be described as a group of blood cancers that tend to develop in the lymph system," he warned.

Arthritis And Lymphoma: Understand The Connection

Citing various studies done on it, Dr Parab explained that the chronic inflammation seen due to RA does not only impact the joints, but it can also increase the chances of lymphoma.

"In RA, the lymphocytes B cells and T cells, which are key producers of inflammation, can turn cancerous. Remember that the longer a person has had RA, the higher are their chances of lymphoma. When those with RA have poorly-controlled inflammation, they may suffer from lymphoma, which is a rare but severe systemic complication."

The doctor also warned that patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a higher risk of developing both Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-HL. "It is the need of the hour to manage inflammation associated with arthritis and keep lymphoma at bay," he stated.

Keep the following things in mind:

1. RA management is key for preventing lymphoma
2. RA patients should do light exercises to lower inflammation, joint pain, and swelling.
3. Stress is also known to trigger RA, so it is essential to de-stress by doing yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
4. Try to eat a well-balanced diet inclusive of all vital nutrients.
5. Avoid junk, spicy, oily, canned, and processed foods.
6. Rest enough and avoid doing any strenuous activities that can induce pain, inflammation, and swelling.
7. Quit smoking to manage inflammation and keep the joints healthy.

Be proactive when it comes to joint health, and ensure to follow these vital guidelines, the doctor concluded.