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Is Non-hodgkin’s Lymphoma A Blood Cancer?

Is Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma A Blood Cancer?

Introduction

Statistics reveal that four percent of all blood cancer cases turn out to be non-hodgkin’s lymphoma. The condition is regarded as serious, and as a result of advancements in diagnostics and treatment, the survival rates have improved considerably. Here is a detailed look at answers to the common question – is non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a blood cancer?

Quick Overview Of Lymphoma

Before we look at answers to the question – is non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a blood cancer? here is a quick look at lymphoma. This refers to a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system of the body. This happens when certain white blood cells begin to grow uncontrollably.  There are basically two types of Lymphoma:

  1. Hodgkin Lymphoma – which is distinct by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. The condition usually begins in the lymph nodes.
  2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – this is regarded as a relatively common type of lymphoma. This occurs in lymph nodes and could also start in other organs.

Commonly reported symptoms of lymphoma

  • Swelling in the lymph nodes – this could be in the neck, the armpits, or the groin.
  • Unexplained tiredness 
  • Unusual loss of weight
  • Sudden onset of fever  
  • Cough or chest pain that does not resolve 

What Is Hodgkin Lymphoma?

With the above information in place, it is now time to understand more about Hodgkin lymphoma, before looking at answers to the question – Is non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a blood cancer? This type of lymphoma is distinct by the presence of unusually large cells in the lymph nodes. Other characteristics of the condition include involvement of the lymphatic system. The disease starts in the lymph nodes and gradually spreads to other parts of the body, such as the spleen, bone marrow, or the thymus.

Known causes and risk factors of the condition

Common risk factors of the condition include past infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus), a family history of lymphoma, a weakened immune system. For instance, a person affected with HIV/AIDS is more prone to risk of the condition. Age is another risk factor, with people between 15–35 and above 55 at higher risk.

How is the condition diagnosed?

The condition is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, biopsy of lymph node tissue, imaging tests such as CT, PET, or MRI scans. Other diagnostics include blood tests to look for markers of the condition.

How Is Non Hodgkin Lymphoma Different From Hodgkin Lymphoma?

As part of answers to the question – is non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a blood cancer, it is important to understand the differences between the two types of lymphoma. Both non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma are types of cancers of the lymphatic system. However, there are differences in their characteristics, symptoms, and options for treatment.  Here is a brief comparison between the two types:

  • One of the basic differences between the two types is the presence of Reed-Sternberg Cells in Hodgkin lymphoma and absence in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • The second main difference is the prevalence rate, with non-hodgkin’s more common, accounting for 90% of all cases, and hodgkin’s accounting for 10% of cases.
  • The age groups of people affected by the two conditions also differ, with non-hodgkin’s more common in older patients.
  • The symptoms are more or less similar in both the types, however, in non-hodgkin’s there are additional symptoms. This could be involvement of the gastrointestinal system or the skin.

What Is The Role Of White Blood Cells In Lymphoma?

It is important to understand the role of white blood cells, especially lymphocytes in lymphoma. To put it differently, lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells (lymphocytes).

Lymphocytes are important for the immune system, and comprise three types:

  • B cells – responsible for producing antibodies, and help to fight infections.
  • T cells – tasked with attacking infected cells and to control immune responses.
  • Natural Killer cells – responsible for destroying virus-infected.

Lymphoma occurs when lymphocytes begin growing uncontrollably, accumulating in lymph nodes or other tissues. This results in the formation of and affect normal immune function.

Lymphocytes that are cancerous do not function properly, and seriously affect the ability of the body ability to ward off infections.

As a result of excessive production of abnormal lymphocytes, normal WBCs get reduced in the bone marrow, impacting immunity.

In certain cases, lymphoma brings about an increase in specific types of WBCs, as part of the response of the body.

When the bone marrow is affected, this affects production of healthy WBCs, causing leukopenia and exposing the person to higher risk of infections.

Which Is The Most Effective Lymphoma Treatment?

To summarize the answers to the question – is non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a blood cancer here is a look at treatment options. Various treatment options are presently available for treatment of lymphoma. Options that are considered as the most effect depend on various factors. For instance, the type of lymphoma, its stage, and overall health of the patient, and response to therapy.  Some of the different treatment options are as outlined below, as per type of lymphoma.

  1. Hodgkin Lymphoma – Chemotherapy, radiation therapy for early-stage lymphoma that is localized.

The condition is regarded as highly curable, especially in early stages, achieving positive treatment outcomes in more than 90% of cases.  The early stages are commonly known as Stage I or II, and advanced stages are known as Stage III or IV. The outcomes of advanced stages are also known to be good enough with intensive therapy.

  1. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma  

R-CHOP regimen, with efficacy of 60–70% of patients diagnosed with aggressive NHL. For indolent NHL the choice of treatment is targeted therapy or low-dose chemotherapy. The condition is not curable, and the only option is to manage the condition.  

  1. Advanced Lymphoma

The choice of treatment is targeted therapy, where cancer cells are targeted without affecting normal cells. Immunotherapy is another treatment option to help the immune system identify and target cancer cells. CAR-T Cell therapy involves genetically engineering T cells to attack lymphoma cells. This is effective for treating relapsed or aggressive NHL.

 

January 21, 2025 Cancer