Lymphoma Cancer And Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphoma Cancer And Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Introduction
- What Is The Survival Rate Of Lymphoma?
- What Is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
- Quick Overview Of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
- What Is The Relation Between White Blood Cells And Lymphoma Cancer?
- What Are The Different Treatment Options For Lymphoma Treatment?
- Will Genetic Testing Help In Detecting Or Treating Lymphoma Cancer?
Introduction
A form of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, incidences of Lymphoma cancer are on the rise in India. The condition is higher in prevalence among younger age groups. However, advances in treatment have helped to improve outcomes. Here is a good look at the condition, its sub-types and treatment options, offering answers to the question what is Lymphoma cancer?
What Is The Survival Rate Of Lymphoma?
Before we look at answers to the question what is Lymphoma cancer? let us look at the survival rates for the condition. This depends on the type, the actual stage at diagnosis, and overall health. Broadly, the survival rates are as outlined categorised below:
Hodgkin Lymphoma – Average 5-year survival rate is around 86%.
- Early stage – Around 91%.
- Advanced stage – Around 81%
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – Average 5-year survival rate is around 73%.
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma – Around 60-70%.
- Follicular lymphoma – Around 85-90%.
Various factors determine or influence the survival rates, for instance the stage, subtype, treatment and age of the patient.
What Is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
With the above information, it is now time to answer the question what is Lymphoma cancer? This is best answered by looking at the two types of this condition. The first is Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, that is a part of the immune system. In this condition, there is abnormal growth of a type of white blood cell.
There are subtypes of this condition – Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma. The latter is a rare form and has certain distinct features.
Symptoms that are common to the condition include the following:
- Swollen, lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin, without any pain.
- Fever and breaking out into a sweat in the nights.
- Sudden loss of weight.
- Overall tiredness.
- Itching sensation on the skin.
- Cough or chest discomfort that does not resolve.
Hodgkin lymphoma is typically diagnosed using a combination of tests, including:
- Biopsy.
- Imaging.
- Blood tests.
The condition is treated using the following methods:
- Chemotherapy – As a primary treatment option.
- Radiation therapy – Typically chosen in early-stages.
- Immunotherapy – Using monoclonal antibodies.
- Stem cell transplant – Chosen for cases that relapse.
Quick Overview Of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
Let us now look at the second sub-category to answer the question what is Lymphoma cancer? Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, with uncontrolled growth of white blood cells. The difference with the Hodgkin lymphoma is the absence of a specific characteristic, the Reed-Sternberg cells.
The sub-types of this condition include B-cell lymphomas and T-cell lymphomas. The latter is relatively rare in occurrence.
Symptoms of the condition include the following:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Outbreak of fever, or night sweats.
- Sudden loss of weight without any effort.
- Overall tiredness and weakness.
- Exposed to frequent infections.
- Pain in the abdomen or swelling.
The condition is diagnosed through the following tests:
- Biopsy.
- Imaging tests such as CT, PET scans.
- Blood tests.
- Bone marrow biopsy.
Treatment of the condition typically involves:
- Chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy.
- Targeted therapy.
- Radiation therapy.
- Stem cell transplant.
What Is The Relation Between White Blood Cells And Lymphoma Cancer?
An understanding of the relation between white blood cells and Lymphoma is necessary to answer the question what is Lymphoma cancer? This is because the cancer is directly related to white blood cells as it begins in the lymphocytes. This is a type of WBC that has important functions in the immune system. They help protect the body from infections and diseases. The relation can be outlined as below:
- Types of lymphocytes:
B cells – They produce antibodies that help to fight infections.
T cells – They destroy infected cells or cancerous cells.
Lymphoma occurs when the lymphocytes begin growing uncontrollably as a result of genetic mutations. Consequently, the normal function is disrupted and this causes cancer.
- Abnormal growth:
When the control mechanisms of the body do not function as required, this causes accumulation of lymphocytes. This occurs in lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs. This abnormal accumulation outnumber healthy WBCs, affecting the ability of the immune system to ward off infections. Lymphoma and various treatments can change WBC levels and affect immune function.
What Are The Different Treatment Options For Lymphoma Treatment?
To conclude, let us look at treatment options to answer the question what is Lymphoma cancer? Treatment depends on the stage of the condition, overall health and the sub-type of the disease, for instance hodgkin lymphoma or non hodgkin lymphoma.
Common treatment approaches include the following:
- Chemotherapy – Through drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. This is regarded as the first-line treatment for both types.
- Radiation therapy – Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. This is usually used alone in early-stage disease or combined with chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy – This boosts the immune system and helps to fight cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy – This uses drugs to specifically target molecules that are responsible for cancer growth.
- Stem cell transplant – Also known as bone marrow transplant, this is used to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
- CAR-T cell therapy – This is a new therapy involving genetic modification of a patient’s T-cells to attack cancer cells.
- Surgery – This is very rarely used, mostly for removal of tumors.
Will Genetic Testing Help In Detecting Or Treating Lymphoma Cancer?
While genetic testing will help in detecting and managing lymphoma, it is not usually regarded as a primary screening tool. Genetic testing is typically used for
- Diagnosis and identification of subtype – Advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamil Nadu can help identify mutations or chromosomal abnormalities linked to lymphoma.
- Prognosis – A sample of blood or saliva is all that is required for analysis to identify genetic markers and predict the aggressiveness of lymphoma.
- Treatment – Genetic testing helps in planning personalized treatment, with targeted therapies.
Genetic testing is combined with clinical evaluation, imaging, and biopsy for diagnosis. It plays a critical role in diagnosis, subtype classification, and planning treatment.
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Shetty B s a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).