Lymphoma
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Lymphoma
A Cancer of the Lymphatic System
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, and lymphatic vessels. Its role is to fight infections and filter harmful substances.
In lymphoma, white blood cells (lymphocytes) grow uncontrollably, forming tumours in lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Types of Lymphoma
There are two main categories of lymphoma:
- Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)
- Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells
- Most common in young adults and teenagers
- Has a high cure rate, even in advanced stages
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
- More common than HL
- Has many subtypes (over 60 types) like:
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) – Most common
- Follicular Lymphoma
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Burkitt Lymphoma
- Can be aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow-growing)
Symptoms of Lymphoma
Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the type:
- Swollen, painless lymph nodes in neck, underarm, or groin
- Fever (especially at night)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Night sweats (drenching)
- Loss of appetite
- Itching all over the body (pruritus)
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain (if lymph nodes are in the chest)
- Abdominal swelling or pain (due to spleen/liver involvement)
B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss) are important for staging and prognosis.
Where Can Lymphoma Occur?
- Lymph nodes
- Spleen
- Bone marrow
- Thymus
- Tonsils
- Intestines or stomach (MALT lymphoma)
- Central nervous system (rare)
Causes & Risk Factors
- Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, organ transplant patients)
- Infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, H. pylori, Hepatitis C)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Previous cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation)
- Genetic predisposition
- Age – HL is more common in young adults; NHL in older adults
- Exposure to certain chemicals (pesticides, herbicides)
Diagnosis of Lymphoma
- Physical Examination
- To check for swollen lymph nodes or spleen
- Blood Tests
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) – often elevated in aggressive lymphoma
- Lymph Node Biopsy
- A tissue sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the type of lymphoma
- Bone Marrow Biopsy
- To assess spread into bone marrow
- Imaging Tests
- CT scan, MRI, or PET-CT scan – to determine the extent of disease
- Immunophenotyping / Flow Cytometry
- Identifies the type of lymphocyte involved (B-cell, T-cell, etc.)
Staging of Lymphoma (Ann Arbor System)
- Stage I: One lymph node region or single organ involved
- Stage II: Two or more lymph node areas on the same side of the diaphragm
- Stage III: Lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm
- Stage IV: Spread to organs outside the lymphatic system (e.g., liver, bone marrow)
Each stage is also marked with:
- A (no symptoms)
- B (presence of fever, night sweats, weight loss)
Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre
Our approach is tailored to lymphoma type, stage, aggressiveness, and patient profile.
- Chemotherapy
- Backbone of treatment (e.g., ABVD, CHOP, R-CHOP protocols)
- Given in cycles over weeks to months
-
Immunotherapy
- Rituximab (targets CD20 on B-cells)
- Monoclonal antibodies boost immune attack on cancer cells
-
Targeted Therapy
- Used in relapsed or specific lymphoma subtypes
- Examples: Ibrutinib, Venetoclax, Bortezomib
-
Radiation Therapy
- Used for early-stage or bulky disease
- Onco-Life offers precision Tomotherapy to minimize side effects
-
Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant
- For high-risk or relapsed lymphomas
-
Supportive Care
- Antibiotics for infections
- Blood transfusions
- Pain relief, nutrition, and psychological support
Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Many lymphomas are curable, especially Hodgkin and some aggressive NHLs
- Regular follow-ups include scans, blood tests, and clinical check-ups
- Long-term survivors need monitoring for secondary cancers or late side effects
Lymphoma in India
- Rising due to urbanization, pollution, lifestyle, and undiagnosed immunosuppression
- Often confused with tuberculosis or infections
- Many patients seek help late due to lack of awareness
Most Popular Questions
Lymphoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages and Treatment in India
Is Lymphoma A Type Of Cancer?
Yes. Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It is classified as a blood cancer along with leukaemia and myeloma.
Is Lymphoma Curable?
Many types of lymphoma respond well to treatment. For Hodgkin lymphoma and some aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas, long-term remission and what doctors call a cure is achievable for a large proportion of patients. Outcomes depend on subtype, stage, age, and treatment response. Please consult an oncologist for guidance specific to your situation.
Is Lymphoma Treatment Covered Under MJPJAY Or Ayushman Bharat At Onco-Life?
Onco-Life Cancer Centre is empanelled with MJPJAY, Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), and CGHS. Eligibility depends on the scheme and your individual situation. Please call our TPA desk before your visit to verify your eligibility and the documents required.
Why Is Lymphoma Sometimes Mistaken For Tuberculosis In India?
Both conditions can cause painless swollen lymph nodes, low-grade fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The standard test to tell them apart is a lymph node biopsy with immunohistochemistry. If TB treatment is not improving symptoms after six to eight weeks, a haemato-oncology consultation and biopsy are recommended.
Where Can I Get Lymphoma Treated Near Pune Or Mumbai?
Onco-Life Cancer Centre's Talegaon unit (off the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Talegaon Dabhade) and Wagholi unit (east Pune) provide haemato-oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology services for lymphoma patients. The Talegaon centre houses TomoTherapy for radiation therapy. Onco-Life does not currently have a Mumbai-city centre.
What Is The Survival Rate For Lymphoma?
Survival rates vary widely by subtype, stage, age, and treatment response. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma is approximately 92%. These are averages; your oncologist can give the most accurate picture for your specific situation.
