Lymphoma: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Lymphoma is a blood cancer that develops from the uncontrollable growth of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphoma is also referred to as the immune system's cancer as lymphocytes aid the body in fighting infections.

In 2020, non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounted for 4% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in Malaysia, where it was the eighth most common cancer. The other form of lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, accounted for 5 out of every 1,000 new cancer cases.

What Are the Main Types of Lymphoma

There are over 60 types of lymphoma, which can be categorised into:

Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Slow-growing lymphoma (“low-grade” or “indolent”)
- Fast-growing lymphoma (“high-grade” or “aggressive”)

Hodgkin Lymphoma vs Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: What Is the Difference?

Both Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma affect lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that form part of the immune system, but they differ in how they behave, how they are diagnosed and how they are treated.

Hodgkin lymphoma is usually identified by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells when the biopsy sample is examined under a microscope. It often starts in lymph nodes in the neck, chest or underarms and may spread in a more predictable pattern from one group of lymph nodes to another.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma refers to a larger and more varied group of lymphomas. It can develop from different types of lymphocytes and may be slow-growing or fast-growing. Because there are many subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, treatment depends on the specific subtype, stage of disease, symptoms, test results and the patient’s overall health.

What Are the Risk Factors of Lymphoma?

Being a male, having a weakened immune system, and having a family history of the respective lymphomas all increase the risk of developing lymphoma.

Risk factors for developing Hodgkin lymphoma are:

Early adulthood (in the 20s) or late adulthood (over 50s)
Epstein-Barr virus infection/mononucleosis

Risk factors for developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are:

Age of 60 years or older
Overweight
Certain autoimmune diseases
Exposure to specific chemicals such as benzene, herbicides or insecticides
Exposure to radiation

Symptoms of Lymphoma: When Should You See a Doctor?

Symptoms that indicate the possibility of Hodgkin lymphoma include:

Itchy skin
Fatigue
Appetite loss
Coughing, breathing difficulties, chest pain

Meanwhile, non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms often include:

Chills
Fatigue
Enlargement of the lymph nodes
Swelling of the abdomen
Feeling full after consuming a small amount of food
Coughing, breathing difficulties, chest pain
Frequent or severe infections
Easy bleeding or bruising

Certain lymphoma patients may experience B symptoms:

Fever that lasts for several days or weeks but is not caused by an infection
Excessive night sweats
Weight loss of at least 10% of body weight over 6 months

How Do Doctors Diagnose Lymphoma?

Doctors will be able to better diagnose the disease through medical history and physical assessments as well as blood tests.

Other tests include:

A biopsy, which involves the removal of a tiny tissue sample of the lymph node to be examined under a microscope.
Imaging tests to provide images of the inside of the body to identify and diagnose the stage of the disease. They may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of a treatment or to look out for signs of recurring cancer.

Learn more about the different types of screening and diagnostic procedures performed to diagnose lymphoma.

How to Reduce the Risk of Lymphoma?

The risk of lymphomas can be reduced by taking the following measures:

Avoiding the known risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which may weaken the immune system
Making lifestyle changes to keep the immune system healthy

Keeping a healthy weight
Staying physically active
Practising healthy eating habits

How Do I Get Screened for Lymphoma?

Although there is no routine screening test for lymphoma, persistent or unexplained symptoms such as persistent swollen lymph nodes (typically on the neck, armpit, or groin) should be checked by a doctor. Early assessment can help determine whether further tests, such as blood tests, imaging or a lymph node biopsy, are needed.

Make an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals

If you have persistent swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss or other symptoms that concern you, speak to a doctor for proper evaluation.

At Pantai Hospitals, our multidisciplinary team can support patients through lymphoma assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning. Get in touch with us to book an appointment if you have concerns about lymphoma symptoms or treatment options.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.