Every year on September 15th, World Lymphoma Awareness Day reminds us of the importance of recognising and understanding lymphoma — a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow, which play a vital role in immunity.
What Is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma arises when lymphocytes (B-cells, T-cells, or NK cells) grow uncontrollably, forming tumours in lymph nodes or other organs. It is broadly divided into:
- Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Often affects younger adults, with high cure rates.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A diverse group of > 60 subtypes ranging from slow-growing to highly aggressive forms.
Who Is at Risk?
Lymphomas can affect anyone at any age. Risk factors include weakened immunity, chronic infections (EBV, Hepatitis C, HIV), autoimmune diseases, family history, prior chemotherapy/radiation, and increasing age.
- Worldwide: Lymphoma accounts for ~3–4% of all cancers, with over 500,000 new cases each year.
- India: Around 50,000 new cases annually, with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma being more common than Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Symptoms to Watch For
Lymphoma is often called a “great mimic” because its symptoms overlap with common infections. Awareness of the following is key:
Classic “B-Symptoms”
- Persistent fever without infection
- Night sweats (drenching)
- Unexplained weight loss (> 10% over 6 months)
General Symptoms
- Painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin)
- Persistent fatigue, weakness
- Loss of appetite
Additional Warning Signs
- Persistent cough or chest pain (if mediastinal nodes enlarged)
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal swelling or discomfort (from enlarged spleen or abdominal nodes)
- Early satiety, bloating, or changes in bowel habits (if abdominal involvement)
- Itchy skin or generalised rash
- Frequent infections due to weakened immunity
- Bone pain (with marrow involvement)
- Neurological symptoms (headache, seizures, confusion) if the brain or spinal cord is affected
- Most of these symptoms are nonspecific for lymphoma and can be easily confused with other diseases or infections, which might lead to a delay in diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed through a lymph node biopsy, followed by specialised tests (immunohistochemistry and genetic studies). Imaging, such as PET-CT, helps stage the disease.
Treatment and Outcomes
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies
- Immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy
- Stem cell transplantation in select cases
With these advances, lymphoma cure rates exceed 80–90% and are further improving with advances in treatment methods.
Why Awareness Matters
Despite being the most common blood cancer worldwide, public awareness of lymphoma is low. Early recognition means earlier diagnosis, less intensive treatment, and better survival.
Dr. Suresh Kumar. B
Consultant Medical Oncologist,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
