Is lymphoma curable? The groundbreaking advancements in oncology suggest the answer, continue reading to find out.
Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply interested in expanding your knowledge, this blog aims to provide valuable insights into the quest for a lymphoma cure.
Lymphoma is not a common illness.
It is estimated that about 89,000 people will be diagnosed with lymphoma in 2023, according to the American Cancer Society. To put it in perspective, lung cancer diagnoses are expected to be much higher, with approximately 236,740 people receiving a diagnosis in 2023.
What is Lymphoma?
A kind of cancer known as lymphoma is one that originates in the lymphatic system.
It’s called a blood cancer because it begins in the white blood cells, specifically the lymphocytes, within your lymphatic system – the network of tissues, vessels, and organs plays a crucial role in fighting infections.
In lymphoma, there’s a problem with how your lymphocytes grow. These cells, which usually help your body fight off infections, start acting up and multiplying too much, causing issues.
What are the types of Lymphomas?
Lymphomas are diverse, and their classification is based on the type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) affected and other characteristics.
Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the two primary classifications of lymphoma.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, Hodgkin lymphoma is relatively rare and tends to affect a specific age group, primarily young adults.
The prognosis for Hodgkin lymphoma is often favorable, especially with advancements in treatment options.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
More common than Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma encompasses a diverse group of cancers that affect various types of lymphocytes.
It can occur at any age and may have a more variable prognosis, depending on the specific subtype.
Understanding the type of lymphoma is crucial, as it influences the treatment approach and expected outcomes.
Learn more the different types of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma here…
Who does lymphoma impact?
Lymphomas can be either fast-growing and aggressive or slow-growing and less harmful. Luckily, treatments can often make lymphoma go away or be cured.
Both kids and grown-ups might get lymphoma.
Lymphoma can affect different age groups. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in people aged 65 to 74, especially in men and those assigned male at birth (AMAB) compared to women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB).
On the other hand, Hodgkin lymphoma may affect people between 20 to 39 years old and those aged 65 and older.
Men and people with AMAB have a slightly higher chance of developing Hodgkin lymphoma compared to women and people with AFAB.
What symptoms are typically associated with lymphoma?
Sometimes, lymphoma shows up with symptoms that are similar to other not-so-serious illnesses.
It’s important to remember that having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have lymphoma.
Still, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your body that stick around for a few weeks.
Below are common symptoms for Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma:
1. Swollen Lymph Nodes:
Your neck, armpits, or groin might have painless swelling that doesn’t go away within a few weeks.
2. Feeling Extra Tired:
Even after a good night’s sleep, if you’re feeling incredibly tired every day, it’s something to pay attention to.
3. High Fever:
If your fever stays above 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.5 degrees Celsius) for more than two days, or if it keeps coming back, that’s a signal.
4. Night Sweats:
Sweats so intense that you wake up with your pajamas and sheets soaked.
5. Breathing Trouble:
Feeling like you can’t catch enough air in your lungs, a bit like shortness of breath.
6. Unexplained Weight Loss:
If you’ve lost 10% of your body weight over six months without intentionally dieting or exercising, it’s a sign to investigate.
Alright, let’s talk about what might trigger lymphomas.
What are the causes of lymphoma?
Lymphoma occurs when certain white blood cells in your body’s infection-fighting system start acting differently and turn into fast-growing cancer cells that don’t stop growing.
Like many cancers, most of the time, lymphoma appears without any clear reason. It’s often due to genetic changes that happen on their own.
While the exact cause of lymphomas remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified. These include:
Viruses:
Having certain viruses like HIV, Epstein-Barr (which causes mononucleosis), or Kaposi sarcoma human immunodeficiency virus can up the risk.
Family History:
If someone in your family has lymphoma, it might increase the chance of getting it.
Weakened Immune System:
If your immune system is not as strong because of conditions like HIV or treatments like organ transplants, it might raise the risk.
Autoimmune Disease:
Sometimes, when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body, it can increase the chance of getting lymphoma.
But, how do doctors figure out if you’ve got lymphoma? Read on.
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
To diagnose lymphoma, healthcare providers conduct physical examinations to assess potential symptoms and perform biopsies to obtain tissue for examination by a medical pathologist.
If laboratory tests indicate signs of lymphoma, additional blood and imaging tests may be conducted to gather more information about the condition and plan for treatment.
Blood tests may include:
- To assess distinct kinds of white blood cells, a complete blood count (CBC) with differential is performed.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), is a test that can identify inflammation, which can be an early indicator of lymphoma.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to identify a large amount of cell “turnover” or growth/death.
- Liver and kidney function tests.
- Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) to evaluate monoclonal proteins (M proteins), abnormal proteins produced by plasma cells.
Imaging tests may include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan to search for signs of lymphoma such as enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, or other organs.
- Positron emissions tomography (PET) scans to detect signs of cancer, often combined with low-resolution CT scans and occasionally used alongside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, additional laboratory tests may be ordered to identify genes, proteins, and substances unique to specific non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
What are lymphoma treatments?
Treatment options vary based on the type of lymphoma. For instance, if you have a slow-growing lymphoma, your healthcare provider may recommend active surveillance (watchful waiting) before initiating treatment.
During active surveillance, providers closely monitor your overall health and signs of lymphoma.
Common lymphoma treatments include:
Chemotherapy:
Cancer cells are killed or slowed by chemotherapy. These drugs can be given orally or through injections into the bloodstream.
Chemotherapy can affect both cancer cells and normal cells, leading to various side effects. The specific drugs and their combinations depend on the type and stage of lymphoma.
Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy uses high-dose X-rays or other high-energy particles to target and destroy cancer cells. It’s often used to treat specific areas affected by lymphoma.
Radiation therapy is usually localized, meaning it targets a specific part of the body. Side effects may include fatigue, skin changes, and potential long-term effects depending on the area treated.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy zeroes down on certain chemicals that are linked in the development of cancer. By blocking these molecules, targeted therapy aims to stop the growth of cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells.
Targeted therapies often come in the form of oral medications and may have different side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy is a treatment that strengthens the body’s immune system so that it can better identify and destroy cancer cells. It includes various approaches, such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and adoptive cell transfer.
Immunotherapy can have unique side effects related to immune system activation. It’s designed to stimulate the body’s natural defenses against cancer.
CAR T-Cell Therapy:
CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s own T cells (a type of immune cell) to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). These modified cells are then infused back into the patient to target and destroy cancer cells.
CAR T-cell therapy is a personalized and advanced treatment with potentially significant side effects, including cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicities.
Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplantation:
Stem cell transplantation involves replacing damaged or destroyed bone marrow (which produces blood cells) with healthy stem cells. It can be part of the treatment for certain types of lymphomas, especially after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation.
The process includes harvesting healthy stem cells, high-dose chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate cancer cells, and then infusing the harvested stem cells back into the patient.
Recovery may take time, and potential complications highlight the importance of staying informed and seeking guidance. For personalized support, consider reaching out to your healthcare team.
Palliative care:
Palliative care may be recommended as part of your treatment plan, focusing on symptom and side effect management, along with emotional and spiritual support.
Each of these treatments plays a specific role in addressing lymphoma, and the choice depends on factors such as the type and stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and the treatment goals. It’s crucial for patients to discuss potential benefits and side effects with their healthcare team to make informed decisions about their care.
Is Lymphoma Curable?
The question that echoes in the minds of many patients is whether lymphoma is curable.
Let’s explore this in detail, taking into consideration various factors:
Type of Lymphoma
The type of lymphoma significantly influences its curability. Hodgkin lymphoma, with its characteristic Reed-Sternberg cells, tends to have a more favorable prognosis.
Many individuals diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma can achieve complete remission and, in some cases, be considered cured.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, being a more diverse group of cancers, presents a wider range of outcomes. Some subtypes are more indolent, allowing for long-term remission or even a cure, while others may be more aggressive, requiring intensive and prolonged treatment.
Stages of Lymphoma
The stage at which lymphoma is diagnosed plays a crucial role in determining its curability. Lymphomas, like many cancers, progress through stages indicating the extent of the disease.
In general, the earlier the stage at diagnosis, the better the chances of curability. This highlights the need to maintain regular medical checkups as well as perform early detection.
Individual Response to Treatment
Each patient’s response to treatment is unique. Some individuals may respond well to therapy, achieving complete remission and long-term cure, while others may face challenges in eliminating the cancer.
Factors such as overall health, tolerance to treatments, and the presence of underlying conditions can influence individual responses.
What factors influence the prognosis of lymphoma?
Your prognosis, or how lymphoma will affect your future, is different for each person. It depends on the type of lymphoma you have, the treatments you can get, and how healthy you are overall.
Some people want to know about survival rates, which are like averages showing how many people in a big group survive lymphoma for a certain time. But these numbers can’t tell exactly what will happen to you. They’re averages, and everyone is different.
If you’re curious about your prognosis, it’s best to ask your medical team. They know you and your situation.
Keep in mind that your prognosis might change, especially if you respond well to lymphoma treatment.
If thinking about prognosis is tough, our MedicoExperts team is here to help. We can talk through it, and provide support, you are not alone.
Conclusion
Thankfully, advancements in lymphoma treatments are ongoing, contributing to longer and healthier lives for individuals.
Survival rates increase each year, and researchers are gaining more insights into the risk factors associated with lymphoma. If you believe you might be at risk for lymphoma, it’s advisable to have a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Navigating the complexities of cancer, including lymphomas, can be challenging. This is where MedicoExpert steps in…
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Get access to insights from renowned medical professionals specializing in lymphomas and related fields.
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FAQ :
Q1. What are the common side effects of lymphoma treatment?
A. Lymphoma treatments can have varying side effects, as individuals react differently. It’s crucial to discuss treatment side effects with your healthcare provider and inquire about strategies to manage them.
Q2. Does lymphoma appear in blood work (blood tests)?
A. Blood tests might reveal abnormalities like a high white blood cell count, indicating potential issues such as lymphoma, leukemia, or other blood cancers. However, blood tests alone cannot diagnose lymphoma. Healthcare providers rely on biopsy and imaging test results for a definitive diagnosis.
Q3. Where is the most common starting point for lymphoma?
A. Lymphoma can originate in various areas containing lymphocytes, the infection-fighting white blood cells found throughout the lymphatic system. These include lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other body regions. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, upper chest, armpit, belly, or groin are often the initial noticeable symptom.
Q4. How long can someone have lymphoma without noticing?
A. Lymphoma can exist for years without causing noticeable changes in the body. In some cases, individuals discover they have lymphoma during routine imaging tests that reveal signs of the condition.
Q5. What are the key differences between lymphoma and leukemia?
A. While both lymphoma and leukemia involve issues with white blood cells, they have distinct characteristics. Lymphoma primarily affects the lymphatic system, leading to swollen lymph nodes, while leukemia involves abnormal blood cells and typically presents with symptoms like fatigue and easy bruising. Find out more about your specific health situation with MedicoExpert.
