Lymphoma

Lymphoma in India - Quick Facts, Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. This short explains the main types of lymphoma, how it is diagnosed, and the general approach to treatment.

What is lymphoma

• A type of cancer. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which is part of your body's immune system. It involves cells called lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
• Two main types. The main categories are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). There are many different subtypes within these groups.
• Common symptoms. You may notice a painless swelling in your neck, armpit or groin. Other symptoms can include fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Diagnosis and staging

To confirm a diagnosis and find out the extent of the disease, several tests are needed.

• Biopsy is key. A diagnosis is confirmed by taking a sample of tissue from an enlarged lymph node. This procedure is called a biopsy.
• Imaging tests. Scans like PET-CT, CT or MRI are used to see where the lymphoma is in your body. This process is called staging.
• Blood tests. These check your overall health and blood cell counts. A bone marrow test may also be needed in some cases.

Approaches to treatment

The treatment plan depends on the type and stage of the lymphoma, as well as your general health.

• Chemotherapy. This is a common treatment. It uses drugs to destroy cancer cells and is often given in cycles.
• Radiotherapy. This uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells in a specific area of the body.
• Targeted therapy. These are newer drugs that attack specific features of the cancer cells. This includes monoclonal antibodies.
• Stem cell transplant. This may be an option for some people, usually if the lymphoma returns after initial treatment. It allows for higher doses of chemotherapy.

The right treatment for you depends on your specific diagnosis, the stage of the disease, and your overall health. A final plan can only be made after a specialist has reviewed your medical reports and recent scans.