By Dr Monisha Harimadhavan
Leukaemia and lymphoma are two types of blood cancer. They originate in the tissues that produce blood and affect our blood and immune systems. However, they have different characteristics. Leukaemia mainly disrupts the bone marrow’s normal function of producing blood cells and leads to an overproduction of abnormal white cells called blasts. Due to the presence of these abnormal cells in the bone marrow, the production of other normal cells like red blood cells and platelets is affected.
Leukaemia has different forms, some progressing rapidly (acute) and others slowly (chronic). Both children and adults can be affected.
Lymphoma, on the other hand, begins in the lymphatic system, a vital component of our immune system that contains white blood cells, called lymphocytes, responsible for transporting lymph that removes toxins, waste, and foreign substances. It primarily affects two types of white blood cells: B cells and T cells. The lymphatic system in our body includes the lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. Lymphomas most commonly present as solid masses in the lymph nodes.
Occasionally, they can also involve the bone marrow and lead to the underproduction of normal blood cells, like that seen in leukaemia or as an enlargement of the spleen.
What are the different types of Lymphoma?
Lymphoma can be categorised into two primary types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common and can affect people of various ages. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is of two further types: B-cell and T-cell. Lymphoma
In summary, leukaemia and lymphoma are both blood cancers, but they affect different parts of the body and have their own unique characteristics.
While leukaemia and lymphoma share some general symptoms common to many cancers, such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and frequent infections, they also exhibit specific symptoms related to their origin,
What are the symptoms of leukaemia?
The symptoms of leukaemia include fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, bone pain, and enlarged spleen.
Fatigue happens due to decreased red blood cells. Frequent infections can result from compromised white blood cells. Easy bruising and bleeding are caused by a shortage of platelets. Bone Pain occurs because leukaemia often affects the bone marrow.
In some cases, there can be enlarged spleen, liver, or lymph nodes.
What are the symptoms of lymphoma?
The symptoms of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, fever and night sweats, unexplained weight loss, itchy skin, frequent infections, and enlarged spleen or liver, among others.
Itchy skin is sometimes observed in the case of cutaneous lymphoma. Frequent infections occur due to immune system disruption. Occasionally, the spleen or liver may become enlarged.
How is leukaemia diagnosed?
Leukaemia diagnosis usually requires a bone marrow examination along with flow cytometry for confirmation, and for some types of leukaemias, genetic tests for certain mutations are imperative for risk stratification.
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
Lymphoma diagnosis is usually made by lymph node biopsy and examination, along with an additional test called immunohistochemistry (IHC), to determine the type of lymphoma. Staging is very important in lymphoma and is usually done by a whole-body scan called a PET scan.
How are leukaemia and lymphoma treated?
Treatment options for leukaemia and lymphoma depend on factors like the specific type and the patient’s overall health. However, there are general approaches to both leukaemia and lymphoma.
Treatment for leukaemia
Acute leukaemias are generally aggressive and need immediate treatment. Chronic leukaemia often progresses slowly.
The following are the different modalities that are currently available for the treatment of leukaemia.
Chemotherapy: High-dose drugs to kill cancer cells
Radiation therapy: Employs focused radiation to eradicate cancer cells.
Stem cell transplant: The curative option used for only high-risk cases,
replaces unhealthy bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a normal person.
Targeted therapy: Medications that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells
Immunotherapy: enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight cancer
Treatment for lymphoma
The prognosis and treatment options for lymphoma vary depending on the type, stage, and response to treatment.
Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
Radiation Therapy: To target specific lymph nodes
Immunotherapy: It is particularly effective for some types of lymphoma.
Targeted therapy: It involves drugs designed to address specific irregularities within cancer cells.
Stem cell transplant: In select cases, such as relapsed or refractory lymphoma.
In conclusion, leukaemia and lymphoma, though both blood cancers, are distinct in terms of their origin, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Leukaemia primarily affects the bone marrow and white blood cells, while lymphoma originates in the lymphatic system and targets B cells and T cells. Recognising these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning, as early detection and tailored therapies can significantly improve outcomes for individuals facing these challenging conditions.
The author is a consultant at the Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Amrita Hospital, Kochi
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