World Lymphoma Day 2023: Expert Shares Key Differences Between Lymphoma And Leukaemia

When it comes to cancer, there are many types and subtypes, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Two such commonly confused forms of cancer are lymphoma and leukaemia, as they both affect the blood and immune system. On the occasion of World Lymphoma Day 2023, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Lakhan Kashyap, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospitals, Pune, to understand the key disparities between lymphoma and leukaemia.

Lymphoma Vs leukaemia

According to a study conducted by researchers from the Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, survival rate varies vastly between leukaemia and lymphoma. As per their findings, the survival rate in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia is 27.4%, whereas in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma it is 86.6%.

“It is natural that there will be some confusion among the masses regarding the difference between lymphoma and leukaemia. Both are a kind of blood cancer,” shared Dr Kashyap.

Understanding Lymphoma

Dr Kashyap informed that lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects mostly the lymph nodes in our body. Lymph nodes make up our body’s lymphatic system and are an essential part of the immune system. Lymphoma affects a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes which are responsible for helping the body fight infections and diseases.

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He added, “Lymphoma patients show symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, which are caused by the formation of solid tumours in the lymph nodes or other lymphatic tissues. These tumours can grow in various parts of the body, leading to additional symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or night sweats.”

Understanding leukaemia

He further elucidated that leukaemia is a blood cancer that affects the blood producing cells in our bone marrow. It primarily affects white blood cells, although it can also impact red blood cells and platelets. Leukaemia triggers our body’s bone marrow to overproduce immature blood cells, crowding out healthy cells in the bone marrow.

“Since leukaemia affects the blood producing cells in the bone marrow, leukaemia patients often present symptoms such as anaemia, fatigue, inability to deal with infections, and profuse bleeding from bruises," added Dr Kashyap. 

Difference In Outcomes Of Lymphoma And Leukaemia

In most cases, diagnosing and treating lymphoma share some methods. For example, diagnosing lymphoma and leukaemia typically involves a combination of imaging tests, biopsies, and blood tests. Similarly, the treatment options for both blood cancers typically includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, since both these cancers have very different manifestations, Dr Kashyap listed the key differences in terms of prognosis and treatment, between lymphoma and leukaemia. 

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• Chemotherapy is the choicest and the first form of treatment for both cancers. However, in the case of leukaemia, depending on its type and severity, you might have to undergo stem cell transplant as well.
• In the case of leukaemia, you will be required to get a bone marrow biopsy as well to diagnose this cancer effectively, which is exceptionally painful as a thick needle is inserted into your spine to extract bone marrow.
• Leukaemia also requires a much more intensive form of chemotherapy as compared to lymphoma.
• Leukaemia shows higher morbidity rate, and more intense symptoms and complications during treatment. Because of these reasons, leukaemia also has a higher mortality rate when compared to lymphoma. 
• Many people with lymphoma can achieve remission and lead normal lives, especially with early detection and treatment. But in the case of leukaemia, its acute forms can be more aggressive, while chronic forms may be manageable for many years.

If you, or those around you, receive a diagnosis of lymphoma or leukaemia, in both cases the best tool in your arsenal would be awareness and education. Knowing the key difference between various cancers and their symptoms can save you from a flood of misinformation and misconception, and help you achieve timely diagnosis, which is key in the fight against cancer. Moreover, understanding the prognosis and treatment of these cancers can also mentally prepare you to begin your journey to recovery with an open mind and an absolute resolve. Always remember that medical information can evolve, so stay informed about the latest advancements and consult with healthcare experts for the most up-to-date guidance on these conditions.

Study Source: Epidemiology and Etiology of leukaemia and Lymphoma

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7263093/