Lymphoma Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is known as the cancer of the lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes develop out of proportion during lymphoma and subsequently spread to many other body organs, producing a variety of problems.

What are the major types of lymphoma?

The two major classes of lymphoma are

• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: this is the most frequent type of lymphoma.
• Hodgkin's lymphoma is usually seen in B lymphocytes. The characterization of this type of lymphoma is done by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. These are excessively large B lymphocytes.

What are the major symptoms of lymphoma?

The major symptoms of lymphoma include:

• Swollen lymph nodes throughout the body, particularly in the neck, abdomen, and armpits. The swelling does not go down quickly and may cause pain.
• Fever and chills
• Unintentional weight loss
• General tiredness and lack of energy
• Loss of appetite

If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then without wasting any more time consult with Dr Saphalta Baghmar. She is a world-renowned oncologist and also provides the best Lymphoma Cancer Treatment in Delhi NCR.

What are the major risk factors that increase the chances of lymphoma?

Several risk factors enhance the likelihood of lymphoma:

• Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease attack the body's own immune cells and can increase the risk of lymphoma.
• Infections from certain viruses, like the Epstein-Barr virus.
• Immunodeficiency caused by AIDS or due to suppressed immune system after organ transplantation.
• Certain chemicals and nuclear radiation have been known to cause Non-Hodgkin's type lymphoma.
• Obesity

How is lymphoma diagnosed?

Several tests may be used to diagnose lymphoma:

• Physical examination: The doctor will check for swelling around the lymph nodes.
• Blood test: As lymphocytes are present in the blood, the presence of any cancerous growth can be identified by a blood test.
• Biopsy: A biopsy of the affected tissue, in this case, lymph nodes, is performed to screen for cancer.
• Various imaging tests, like CT scan, MRI scan, x-rays, ultrasounds, can be done to get a clear image of the internal organs.
• Spinal tap: During this testing procedure, the spinal fluid is extracted and analysed.

Stage one lymphoma is less aggressive and it is found in one specific area only, but with advancing cancer, it might metastasize and spread to more distinct organs by stage 4.

What are the different stages of lymphoma?

Lymphoma is staged based on cancer's progress and ability to metastasize to adjacent organs. Stage one lymphoma is less aggressive and is detected in a single location, but as the disease progresses, it may metastasis and spread to more separate organs by stage four.

• Stage 1: lymphoma is benign cancer that affects only one lymph node or organ.
• Stage 2: lymphoma occurs when the disease spreads to other lymph nodes in a neighbouring organ.
• Stage 3: lymphoma occurs when many lymph nodes are involved and cancer has spread to other organs like the spleen.
• Stage 4: The last stage of lymphoma is when the disease spreads outside of the lymphatic system and damages organs such as the liver and lungs.

What are the treatment options available?

The treatment options available for lymphoma are as followed:

• Chemotherapy is where cancer cells are killed and their development is limited by powerful medicines.
• Radiation therapy uses high energy radiation like X rays for the destruction of cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy utilizes the immune cells of the body to fight cancer.
• Targeted therapy is done to target specific genes and proteins present in lymphocytes.

All of these treatments are used to limit cancer growth, but if the lymphoma is severe, a bone marrow transplant is performed.

During a bone marrow transplant, strong doses of chemotherapy are used initially to reduce cancer cells and eliminate diseased bone marrow, followed by bone marrow transfusion. The stem cells that conduct bone marrow functions are introduced into the body here.

Lymphoma is often treatable and it requires constant monitoring and a lot of assistance. You must choose an oncologist who provides an overall treatment and is highly experienced. Dr Saphalta Baghmar is one of the top oncologists in Delhi NCR with years of experience in medical oncology.

FAQs

1. How long can you live with lymphoma?

The outlook for lymphoma depends largely on the type and stage of the disease. Usually, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more predictable, and hence easier to treat. On the other hand, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can begin at any point in the lymph nodes throughout the body. This form tends to be unpredictable and can spread aggressively. The life expectancy for this form varies greatly among individuals. In the case of Hodgkin's lymphoma, the average life expectancy for one year is 90% while that of five years and 10 years is 80% and 75% respectively.

2. Is lymphoma a serious cancer?

Lymphoma is life-threatening in the later stages or when it spreads to other organs. Even in the earlier stages, some forms of lymphoma pose a serious threat. This depends on the site of their origin and the rate at which they spread or metastasize. Lymphoma attacks the lymphatic system which is an imminent part of your body’s immune system. Therefore, this disease notably weakens your immunity and makes you more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. Also, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is considered more serious and difficult to treat than Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is because it can originate at any part of your lymphatic system and can spread unpredictably. 

3. What are the first signs of lymphoma?

Since lymphoma originates in the lymphatic system of your body, you may notice swelling, a lump, or pain around the lymph nodes in your armpits, neck, and groin area. You might also feel constantly drained out and feverish and have night sweats. Shortness of breath and/or unexpected weight loss are also common symptoms. Some people also experience constant coughs and recurring chest pain.

4. Where does lymphoma start?

Lymphoma can originate anywhere in the lymph nodes. Since the lymphatic system runs all across your body, a lymphatic tumor can grow at any point along the lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually begins in the lymph nodes in the upper body like around the neck, armpit, breastbone, and other areas. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, however, can originate at any point throughout the lymphatic system and hence is considered more unpredictable and difficult to treat.