Lymphoma

Overview

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system — a vital part of the immune system. It involves the abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections. Lymphoma can affect lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, and other organs throughout the body.

There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Each type has its own subtypes, treatment strategies, and prognoses. Early detection and appropriate medical care are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Symptoms of Lymphoma

Lymphoma can present with a wide range of symptoms, often similar to other illnesses. Common symptoms include:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Unexplained fever
• Night sweats
• Persistent fatigue
• Sudden weight loss
• Itching
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Recurrent infections

These symptoms may appear gradually or suddenly and can sometimes be mistaken for viral infections.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of lymphoma remains unknown, but certain factors may increase the risk:

• Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases)
• Certain infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C)
• Exposure to chemicals such as pesticides
• Family history of lymphoma
• Age (some types are more common in younger adults, while others occur in older age groups)
• Previous radiation or chemotherapy

While risk factors exist, many people with lymphoma have no known predisposing condition.

Types of Lymphoma

Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)

• Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells under the microscope
• Typically affects younger people
• Highly treatable, especially in early stages

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

• More common than HL
• Comprises many subtypes (e.g., diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma)
• Some forms grow rapidly (aggressive), while others are slow-growing (indolent)

Diagnosis at Vibhavadi Hospital

Early and accurate diagnosis is critical in managing lymphoma. At Vibhavadi Hospital, we utilize state-of-the-art technology for thorough evaluation:

• Physical examination and medical history
• Blood tests: Complete blood count, LDH levels, liver/kidney function tests
• Imaging tests: CT scan, PET scan, or MRI to determine cancer spread
• Lymph node biopsy: Removal of tissue sample for histopathology
• Bone marrow biopsy: To detect if lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow

Our team ensures rapid diagnostic processing with multidisciplinary collaboration to form the most accurate treatment plan.

Staging of Lymphoma

Lymphoma is categorized into four stages:

• Stage I: Involvement of a single lymph node region or organ
• Stage II: Two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm
• Stage III: Lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm are affected
• Stage IV: Widespread involvement of one or more organs outside the lymphatic system

Staging helps determine the extent of the disease and guide treatment options.

Treatment Options at Vibhavadi Hospital

Treatment for lymphoma depends on the type, stage, patient’s health, and whether the disease is aggressive or indolent. Vibhavadi Hospital offers comprehensive and personalized treatment strategies.

Chemotherapy

• Primary treatment for both HL and NHL
• Combination drug regimens tailored to lymphoma subtype (e.g., ABVD, CHOP)
• Administered in cycles with close monitoring of side effects

Radiation Therapy

• Often used in early-stage HL or localized NHL
• Precisely targets lymph nodes to reduce tumor mass
• Can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy

Targeted Therapy

• Drugs like rituximab target specific proteins on lymphoma cells (e.g., CD20)
• Effective in B-cell lymphomas
• Less damage to normal cells compared to traditional chemotherapy

Immunotherapy

• Utilizes the body’s immune system to fight cancer
• CAR T-cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors are options in some advanced cases

Stem Cell Transplant

• For patients who relapse or have aggressive disease
• High-dose chemotherapy followed by infusion of healthy stem cells
• Autologous or allogeneic transplant depending on the case

Supportive Care

• Symptom relief and management of side effects
• Nutritional support and psychological counseling
• Ongoing monitoring and survivorship planning

Why Choose Vibhavadi Hospital for Lymphoma Treatment

• Multidisciplinary care from hematologists, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and nursing teams
• Cutting-edge diagnostic and imaging facilities
• Personalized treatment plans according to global guidelines
• Emphasis on patient quality of life and holistic care
• Accessible inpatient and outpatient oncology services

Follow-Up and Long-Term Monitoring

After completing treatment, patients require routine monitoring to detect recurrence, manage side effects, and maintain overall health. This may include:

• Regular physical exams
• Periodic imaging scans
• Blood tests
• Vaccinations and infection prevention for immunocompromised individuals

Our long-term care team ensures continuous support for lymphoma survivors.

Insurance Coverage and Costs

Vibhavadi Hospital accepts most major public and private health insurance plans. Services that may be covered include:

• Diagnostic evaluations and lab work

• Inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy and medications

• Follow-up appointments and supportive care

Our financial counselors are available to assist patients in understanding their insurance benefits and estimating treatment costs.