Leukemia vs Lymphoma: Understand Major Differences

Leukaemia is slow-moving cancer that starts in the bone marrow, the soft tissue found in the centre of the bones. It occurs when there is an uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells, also known as leukocytes.

These abnormal cells outnumber healthy blood cells, including platelets, red blood cells, and normal white blood cells, leading to various complications.

Leukaemia can be broadly categorised into four main types based on the specific white blood cells affected and the rate of disease progression. These types are:

1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL): Also known as acute lymphocytic leukaemia, it primarily affects lymphoid cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for immune responses.
   
   ALL progresses rapidly and is more common in children, although it can also occur in adults.
2. Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML): AML affects myeloid cells, which produce red blood cells, platelets, and certain types of white blood cells.
   
   It is a rapidly progressing leukaemia commonly occurring in older adults, although it can also affect children.
3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL): CLL affects lymphocytes, white blood cells responsible for immune system function.
   
   It typically occurs in older adults.CLL is often detected during routine blood tests and may not require immediate treatment in its early stages.
   Why? Because it is slow-progressing cancer that has shown no benefits from early treatment. 
4. Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML): CML affects myeloid cells and usually progresses slowly. It is characterised by an abnormal Philadelphia chromosome (it forms when chromosome 22 and chromosome 9 break and exchange places).
   
   This leads to an abnormally small chromosome 22 and a new set of instructions for the cells, leading to the development of CML.
   CML can occur in people of any age but is more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged adults.

Each leukaemia type has further subtypes and variations, making the classification more specific and refined.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer originating in the lymphatic system, a network of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and other tissues that play a crucial role in the body’s immune response. 

Lymphoma occurs when there is an abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a white blood cell involved in fighting infections.

These abnormal cells can form tumours in the lymph nodes or other lymphatic tissues, impairing the normal functioning of the immune system.

There are two main categories of lymphoma:

1. Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is characterised by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, large abnormal cells found within the lymph nodes. 
   
   HL typically starts in a single lymph node or a group of lymph nodes. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. It often affects young adults or people in their early 30s and older.
2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): Non-Hodgkin lymphoma refers to a diverse group of lymphomas that do not contain Reed-Sternberg cells.
   
   It can originate from various types of lymphocytes and has different subtypes with varying characteristics and growth patterns.NHL is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma and can occur at any age, though the risk increases.

While both leukaemia and lymphoma are blood cancers, they differ in origin, progression, and primarily affected areas within the body.

The following table compares the key differences between leukaemia and lymphoma:

Leukaemia and lymphoma, two distinct types of blood-related cancers, share similarities and differences in their symptoms, causes, and risk factors.

Understanding the leukaemia and lymphoma difference is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Based on Symptoms

The symptoms of leukaemia vs lymphoma vary according to their type. The following table shows the difference between leukaemia and lymphoma based on their symptoms. 

Based on Causes

Both leukaemia and lymphoma develop from issues related to the white blood cells. Leukaemia and lymphoma occur when there is a change in the DNA of the white blood cells.

The exact cause of this change in this DNA has yet to be fully understood. However, various factors can increase the risk of forming these cancers.

Based on Risk Factors

Leukaemia and lymphoma have some overlapping risk factors, but there are also differences between the two in terms of specific risk factors.

While some factors can increase your risk of developing leukaemia or lymphoma, some people with no risk factors may develop these conditions.

In contrast, others with known risk factors may never develop these cancers. Here are some key distinctions:

Diagnosing, treating, and managing complications in leukaemia and lymphoma requires comprehensive approaches.

While there are some similarities between the diagnosis and treatment of the conditions, there are also some key differences. 

Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans are crucial in improving outcomes and minimising complications for patients with leukaemia or lymphoma. 

Based in Diagnosis

The diagnostic process for leukaemia and lymphoma starts with the doctor asking you more about your symptoms and medical history. The specific tests for diagnosing these cancers include:

Leukaemia

1. Blood Tests: Blood tests are essential in diagnosing leukaemia. They help evaluate the number and appearance of different blood cells, including white, red, and platelets.
   
   Abnormalities in these cell counts and characteristics can indicate the presence of leukaemia.
2. Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: They are typically performed to examine the bone marrow for the presence of abnormal cells.
   
   A small sample of bone marrow and a tiny piece of bone is taken from the hipbone or another site and examined under a microscope.

Lymphoma

1. Biopsy: The primary diagnostic tool for lymphoma is a lymph node biopsy.
   
   A small portion of an enlarged lymph node or other affected tissue is surgically removed and examined under a microscope to detect abnormal lymphocytes.
2. Imaging Studies: Imaging tests, such as CT scans, PET scans, or MRI scans, are often performed to assess the extent of lymphoma and locate affected lymph nodes or organs.
3. Bone Marrow Biopsy: In some cases of lymphoma, a bone marrow biopsy may be used to assess the involvement of the bone marrow.

Based on Treatment

The choice of treatment will depend on factors such as the type of leukaemia, its stage or progression, the overall health of the patient, and individual considerations.

The treatment will be prepared to address the specific characteristics of leukaemia and optimise the chances of achieving remission or managing the disease effectively. Leukaemia and lymphoma treatment include: 

1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common option for treating leukaemia. It involves using powerful drugs to destroy blood and bone marrow cancer cells.
2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is occasionally used in specific situations, such as for certain types of leukaemia that have spread to the brain or for palliative care.
3. Stem Cell Transplant: A doctor may suggest a stem cell transplant for certain cases of leukaemia.
   
   This procedure involves replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells to help restore normal blood cell production.
4. Targeted Therapy: Certain types of lymphoma may respond well to targeted therapy drugs that specifically target cancer cells or their supporting structures.
5. Immunotherapy: Some forms of lymphoma, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and certain subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, can be treated with immunotherapy.
   
   This approach stimulates the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.

Based on Complications

Leukaemia and lymphoma can both lead to various complications. There are some differences in the specific complications associated with each disease:

Leukaemia

1. Infections: leukaemia weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
   Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can occur and may be more severe and frequent in people with leukaemia.

2. Anaemia and Bleeding: leukaemia can cause a decrease in healthy red blood cells and platelets, leading to anaemia and an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.

3. Organ Infiltration: In advanced stages of leukaemia, cancer cells can infiltrate various organs, including the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, potentially causing organ enlargement and impairing their normal functions.

4. Neurological Complications: In some cases, leukaemia cells may invade the central nervous system, leading to neurological complications such as headaches, seizures, or cognitive changes.

Lymphoma

1. Compression of Organs: Lymphoma tumours can compress surrounding structures, leading to complications such as difficulty breathing if the tumour affects the lungs or impaired kidney function if the tumour affects the urinary tract.
2. Immune System Dysfunction: Lymphoma can weaken the immune system.
   
   This makes individuals more susceptible to infections and increases the risk of complications related to impaired immune function.
3. Secondary Cancers: Individuals with lymphoma may have an increased risk of developing secondary cancers, such as lung or skin cancer, due to various factors, including previous treatments.

The survival rates for leukaemia and lymphoma can vary depending on multiple factors, such as the specific type, stage, age of the patient, overall health, and treatment received. However, survival rates are general estimates and may not reflect individual cases.

1. The general 5-year survival rate for someone diagnosed with leukaemia is 66.7%. However, this may vary between the different types. 
   1. The 5-year survival rate for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia has increased to about 90%. 
   2. The 5-year survival rate for children with acute myeloid leukaemia is between 65% to 70%. 
2. The general 5-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 74.3%, while for Hodgkin lymphoma, it is 88.9%. 

Preventing leukaemia and lymphoma is challenging because the exact causes are often unknown. However, there are certain measures individuals can take to reduce their risk or detect these conditions early:  

1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being and potentially lower the risk of developing cancer.
   
   This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limited alcohol consumption, avoidance of tobacco products, and maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Protect against Infections: Certain viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1), have been linked to an increased risk of lymphoma.
   
   Taking precautions to minimise exposure to these viruses, like practising good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, may help reduce the risk.
3. Minimise Exposure to Environmental Carcinogens: Some occupational and environmental exposures have been associated with an increased risk of developing leukaemia or lymphoma.
   
   Minimise exposure to potential carcinogens such as benzene, pesticides, certain chemicals, and radiation whenever possible.
4. Seek Regular Medical Check-Ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can aid in the early detection of any potential signs or symptoms.
   
   Timely diagnosis allows for prompt intervention and treatment, which can greatly influence outcomes.

It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any persistent or concerning symptoms that could be associated with leukaemia or lymphoma. Symptoms associated with leukaemia may include:

1. Unexplained fatigue
2. Easy bruising or bleeding
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Enlarged lymph nodes or spleen, etc.

Symptoms associated with lymphoma may include: 

1. Painless swollen lymph nodes
2. Persistent fever or fatigue
3. Unexplained weight loss, etc. 

You must also consult a healthcare provider if there is a known risk factor or family history of leukaemia or lymphoma. They can provide appropriate guidance and recommend necessary screenings or preventive measures based on your situation.

Leukaemia vs lymphoma, two distinct types of blood cancers, exhibit differences in origin, affected cells, impact on the bone marrow, and treatment approaches.

Leukaemia arises in the bone marrow, affecting white blood cells, while lymphoma originates in the lymphatic system, impacting lymphocytes. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

At HexaHealth, we strive to provide comprehensive support for patients with leukaemia or lymphoma. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals offers personalised care, cutting-edge treatments, and ongoing monitoring to maximise outcomes.

We aim to empower patients throughout their cancer journey with a patient-centred approach. Trust HexaHealth to guide you toward a brighter, healthier future. Contact us TODAY to learn about the key difference between leukaemia and lymphoma. 

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