Understanding lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in cells in the body’s immune system called lymphocytes. These cells are in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, liver, lungs, or kidneys and when the cancer spreads, the lymphocytes mutate and grow out of control.

According to statistics, lymphoma accounts for approximately 55 percent of blood cancer and is the sixth most common cancer in Malaysia.

A conversation with Dr. Nur Adila Anuar, Internal Medicine (General) and Clinical Haematology at KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, discusses and shares her medical insights on understanding lymphoma.

In addition, Dr. Adila also talks about:

The different types of lymphoma which are Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). She says the primary difference between these two categories is the type of lymphocyte that is affected. However, they grow at different rates and respond differently to treatment.
The causes of lymphoma. In most cases, there is no known cause despite many ongoing research done. It can be developed at any age but the rates of Hodgkin lymphoma are highest among teens and young adults, and NHL is more common among older people.
The risk factors and symptoms.
How it is diagnosed and the different stages of the cancer.
The treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and the new treatment advances like stem cell transplantation.
The common myths of lymphoma.
The survival rate. She says compared to many years ago it is much higher due to the advancement in treatment and clinical support.