Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is basically the germ-fighting compartment of the body and the immune system that is responsible for fighting disease. Its commencement is marked by healthy cells in the lymphatic system changing and growing out of control.
The lymphatic system involves the lymph nodes that are present throughout the body. These lymph nodes occur in locations of the abdomen, pelvis, groin, chest, neck and underarms.
In addition, the spleen, thymus, tonsils and bone marrow are also a part of the lymphatic system.
The main subtypes of the disease are as follows:
Both of these are types of lymphoma. This is a type of cancer with commencement in the white blood cells (WBCs) known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are an extremely essential part of the body's infection-fighting immune system.
The main difference between Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma lies in the specific lymphocyte involved.
The difference between the two types of lymphoma can be seen by observation of the cancer cells under a microscope. In case of the presence of a specific type of cell called a Reed-Sternberg (RS) cell, the lymphoma is classified as Hodgkin's. If the RS cell is absent, the lymphoma is classified as non-Hodgkin's.
Lymphoma exists in many subtypes and lab tests are used for the examination of a sample of your lymphoma cells to be able to determine your specific subtype. This unravelling of the type of Lymphoma determines the disease prognosis and the treatment options as well. The different disease types have very different disease courses as well as treatment choices. An accurate diagnosis is the key!
The lymphatic vasculature is not considered a part of the immune system; however, it is critical to immunity. One of its major roles lies in the coordination of the trafficking of antigen and immune cells. This is in addition to other roles in immunity that are emerging.
Lymphatic endothelial cells, for example, have a direct presentation of antigen or expression of factors greatly influencing the local environment.1
Different stressors in the form of inflammatory, infectious and toxic factors undergo interaction with the human host’s genetic makeup in a complicated manner, thereby resulting in lymphomagenesis. One of the widely accepted principles is the long-term use of immunosuppressive therapies, making the innate immune system less efficient in the detection and destruction of cancer cells or infections that could lead to the development of cancers.2
Lymphoma is known to be a chemosensitive neoplasm. This is the reason for a complete response being possibly achieved by the utilisation of systemic chemotherapy even in the metastatic setting. Anyway, there is a chance of relapse occurring in a substantial number of patients. Therefore, there is a possibility of a subset of lymphoma cells maintaining viability during treatment, and so, they can cause the relapse. The cancer stem cell hypothesis postulates that there are certain stem cell populations present in cancers. The hypothesis puts forward a suggestion that cancers have their derivation from cancer stem cells (CSC), which are a subset of cancer cells possessing stem-like properties like self-renewal.
The demonstration of the existence of CSCs in acute myeloid leukaemia was followed by the identification of various surface markers to isolate CSCs from such solid cancers as brain, colon and breast.
In addition, the probability of lymphoma stem cells was recently suggested in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, sufficient data were not provided in support of the information that CSCs are the reason for the origin of lymphoma.3
It gives reference to how active the lymphoma is in terms of cell growth, spread, and clinical symptoms. It is often diagnosed and assessed through imaging, lab tests, and biopsies.
PET/CT or MRI scans to detect active cancer sites
Blood tests for markers (LDH, β2-microglobulin)
Bone marrow biopsy (if required)
Clinical signs such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss
Active lymphoma: Cancer cells are either growing or spreading, symptoms may worsen, and treatment is required
Inactive (remission): No detectable disease or very low activity; patient may not need active treatment
Yes. Some types of lymphoma (e.g., indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) may show alternating periods of activity and inactivity
Not always. High metabolic activity on PET scans may suggest an aggressive disease course, but confirmation requires pathology as well as clinical correlation
Lifestyle alone cannot stop lymphoma activity, but exercise, good nutrition, and stress management support overall health and treatment response
This is known as relapse or recurrence. Doctors may adjust treatment, recommend a new therapy, or consider patient participation in clinical trials
It helps in guiding treatment decisions, assessing prognosis, and detecting relapses early
