Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : September 15, 2024 10:01 AM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Sarang Wagmare, a clinical hematologist at Onco Life Cancer Care Centre, Chiplun
Lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymphatic system and is classified as Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. (Photo: Freepik)
Lymphoma awareness: Sometimes, people get confused between lymphoma and leukemia, which are both similar-sounding words. They are both blood cancers, but they affect different parts of the immune system. While lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, and lymphoid tissues -- affecting immune cells called 'lymphocytes' -- leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects blood cells like white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
Some of the symptoms overlap. For instance, both can cause fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. Secondly, they both have similar names, with the suffix '-emia' in leukemia and the root 'lymph-' in lymphoma, which can lead to mix-ups. They are also both cancers of the blood, and this shared characteristic can blur the distinction. It is, however, important to understand the differences for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Sarang Wagmare, a clinical hematologist at Onco Life Cancer Care Centre, Chiplun says that lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymphatic system and is classified as Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. "The cause of lymphoma is chronic viral infections such as HIV or Epstein-Barr virus, genetics, age, and family history. The symptoms are swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats, fever, weight loss, and itchy skin," the doctor states.
Dr Wagmare explains that leukemia, on the other hand, is a type of blood cancer that is seen when the bone marrow tends to produce abnormal white blood cells and is classified as acute and chronic. "Leukemia begins in blood-forming tissues that are bone marrow. The symptoms are fever, fatigue, frequent infections, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, nosebleeds, and red spots on your skin. Moreover, the symptoms of lymphoma may overlap with leukemia. Hence, an expert will take note of these underlying symptoms to confirm whether it is lymphoma or leukemia," he states.
According to the doctor, to diagnose both the cancers, a combination of imaging tests, biopsies, and blood tests are carried out.
"The treatment is usually in the form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. But, those with leukemia may also need a stem cell transplant," he says, adding that leukemia has a higher mortality rate as compared to lymphoma.
It is, therefore, advisable to follow the recommendations of a doctor who will be able to differentiate between lymphoma and leukemia. Instead of getting confused, one must reach out to an expert and clear away their doubts.
