Lymphoma Specialists in Maharashtra
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, the network of vessels and nodes that plays a central role in the body's immune defenses, arising from abnormal pr…
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What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, the network of vessels and nodes that plays a central role in the body's immune defenses, arising from abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes. It is broadly classified into Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which differ in their cell characteristics, behavior, and treatment approach. The disease often presents as painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin, but can involve any organ containing lymphatic tissue. Prognosis varies widely by subtype, ranging from highly curable to more aggressive forms requiring intensive treatment.
Severe
Uncommon — non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the more common form, affecting several per 100,000 people annually
No
Causes of Lymphoma
Arises from genetic mutations in lymphocytes that cause them to grow and divide uncontrollably, though the precise cause is often unknown. Risk factors include a weakened immune system, certain viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.
Symptoms of Lymphoma
Painless swelling of lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, unintentional weight loss, persistent itching, chest pain or cough if nodes press on the airway, abdominal swelling or discomfort
Treatment & Types of Lymphoma in Maharashtra
Treatment depends on the specific subtype and stage, ranging from active surveillance for slow-growing forms to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted immunotherapy for more aggressive disease. Stem cell transplantation may be used for relapsed or high-risk cases, and newer therapies like CAR T-cell treatment have improved outcomes for certain refractory lymphomas.
Lymphoma is broadly divided into Hodgkin lymphoma, identified by the presence of a specific abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell and generally associated with a very good prognosis, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a more diverse group of over 60 subtypes ranging from slow-growing to fast-growing forms, with non-Hodgkin lymphoma being considerably more common overall.
Hematology Specialists in Maharashtra (0)
No specialists listed yet in Maharashtra — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the outlook for Hodgkin lymphoma compared to non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma is generally one of the most curable cancers, with high long-term survival rates even in advanced stages, while outcomes for non-Hodgkin lymphoma vary widely depending on the specific subtype and stage.
Is lymphoma the same as leukaemia?
No, though both are blood cancers, lymphoma primarily affects the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue while leukaemia primarily affects the bone marrow and circulating blood cells, though some overlap can occur in advanced disease.
Can lymphoma be detected with a simple blood test?
Not definitively; while blood tests can suggest lymphoma, diagnosis requires a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node to identify the specific cell type and confirm the diagnosis.
What does it mean if my lymphoma is described as indolent?
Indolent lymphomas grow slowly and may be monitored with active surveillance for a period without immediate treatment, unlike aggressive lymphomas which usually require prompt chemotherapy.
Has treatment for lymphoma improved recently?
Yes, newer therapies including targeted immunotherapy and CAR T-cell treatment have significantly improved outcomes for certain relapsed or hard-to-treat lymphomas in recent years.