What are the first signs of Lymphoma?

Some of the most common initial signs of Lymphoma include painless swellings in the neck, armpits, or groin, persistent fatigue, and night sweats. Patients may also report shortness of breath and unexplained weight loss as some of the first signs of Lymphoma.

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What does Lymphoma fatigue feel like?

Patients diagnosed with Lymphoma often describe fatigue related to the condition as feeling weak, listless, and drained. Some may even feel too tired to eat or visit the bathroom. If you are suffering from Lymphoma fatigue, speak to your medical care team at CFCH as to how you can better manage these symptoms.

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Where does Lymphoma spread first?

The most common parts of the body, and often the first, that Lymphoma spreads to are the lungs, bone marrow, and liver.

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How is the immune system affected by Lymphoma?

If you have Lymphoma, your immune system might not work as well as it should for several reasons. The lymphocytes that grow out of control do not work properly. If you have too many of these abnormal lymphocytes and not enough healthy lymphocytes, your body cannot fight infections as well as normal.
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Can Lymphoma spread to the brain?

Lymphoma of the brain or spinal cord, also known as primary central nervous system (CNS) Lymphoma, is a rare form of leukaemia which begins in the lymph tissue of the brain or spinal cord. However, Lymphoma of the brain or the spinal cord is rare, with around only 4 in every 100 brain or spinal cord tumours (4%) being Lymphomas..

Sometimes, particularly in patients with aggressive stage 3 or 4 Lymphoma, the disease can also spread to the Central Nervous System.

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How do you get Lymphoma?

The cause of Lymphoma is often unknown in the majority of Lymphomas..

Some Lymphomas can be triggered by prior infection and inflammation, such as H. Pylori infections which are implicated in gastric MALT Lymphoma, or EBV infection in certain other forms of Lymphoma..

Prior exposure to substances such as cancer-causing agents or radiation can also be responsible for the gene changes seen in some patients diagnosed with Lymphoma.

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Can stress cause Lymphoma?

Within the existing studies and research surrounding Lymphoma, there is not enough clear evidence to determine if stress is responsible for or worsens Lymphoma. However, it is important to speak to your medical care team if you find yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed with your diagnosis.

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How do you prevent Lymphoma?

For many patients diagnosed with Lymphoma, no risk factors can be changed. However, some studies indicate that building and maintaining a strong immune system may help lower your risk of developing Lymphoma. For example, staying within a healthy weight range, keeping active, and following a nutrient-dense diet which has less red meats and processed foods may help reduce the risk of developing Lymphoma.

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Who is at risk for Lymphoma?

There are various factors that may increase one’s risk of developing Lymphoma. These include age, gender, and family history. Those aged between 15 to 40 or those over 55 are at higher risk of developing Lymphoma. Similarly, men are more likely to develop Lymphoma when compared to women.

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Can Lymphoma be detected in a blood test?

A blood test alone is usually insufficient to make a diagnosis of Lymphoma..

A diagnosis of Lymphoma is usually confirmed through a combination of a detailed clinical assessment, blood tests, a PET-CT scan as well a biopsy of the affected lymph nodes. In many patients, a bone marrow evaluation will also be performed as part of staging to assess whether there is Lymphoma involvement in the bone marrow.

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How long can you live with Lymphoma?

This often depends on the sub-type of Lymphoma. Some low-grade forms of Lymphoma can be very slow progressing and may just need observation with no active therapy. However, high-grade sub-types of Lymphoma can be very aggressive, and patients can become unwell in a matter of weeks to months without proper treatment.

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Can you have Lymphoma without knowing?

Yes, it is possible to have Lymphoma without knowing. Low-grade Lymphoma grows slowly and often without symptoms, meaning that some patients can live with Lymphoma without being aware..

Even in more aggressive Lymphomas, sometimes patients do not experience any initial symptoms until the tumour is more advanced and it becomes of noticeable size..
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What type of Lymphoma is not curable?

Low-grade Lymphomas tend to respond well to the available therapies. However, many of these Lymphomas tend to recur over time..

While a significant proportion of high-grade Lymphomas can be successfully treated with chemotherapy, certain forms of high-grade Lymphomas are highly aggressive as determined by their Lymphoma sub-type (from the analysis of the tissue biopsy). Unfortunately, many of these aggressive forms of Lymphoma have a poorer prognosis. .

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What can be mistaken for Lymphoma?

Generalised swelling of lymph glands can be due to conditions other than Lymphoma. This could be due to an infection such as TB, generalised inflammation (from an autoimmune disorder), or even a drug reaction. Hence a detailed general assessment is required to confirm a diagnosis of Lymphoma.

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Is Lymphoma a form of leukaemia?

While Lymphoma and leukaemia are both forms of blood cancer which involve white blood cells, they are not the same..

Lymphoma tends to involve the lymph nodes and sometimes the liver and spleen, amongst other organs. On the other hand, leukaemia is considered a ‘liquid tumour’ affecting the white cells in the bone marrow and blood..

The symptoms of Lymphoma and leukaemia differ, as well as the recommended treatment options for each condition.

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Which subtype of Lymphoma is worse?

The prognosis of Lymphoma depends on a combination of the stage of the disease (which refers to the extent of spread of the Lymphoma), as well as the histology grade of the Lymphoma (which is the biopsy analysis which informs us on the subtype of Lymphoma). In addition, tests which determine specific patterns of gene and protein expression in the Lymphoma also add information to the prognosis of the disease..

Our specialists at CFCH will help advise you on the prognosis of your condition and guide you on the appropriate treatment options.

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Is Lymphoma hard to diagnose?

In the majority of suspected cases, a detailed disease and workout will establish the diagnosis of Lymphoma..

A Lymphoma diagnosis is usually confirmed through a detailed clinical assessment, blood tests, a PET-CT scan, and a biopsy of the affected lymph nodes. In many patients, a bone marrow evaluation will also be performed as part of staging to assess whether there is Lymphoma involvement in the bone marrow.
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What foods should you avoid if you have Lymphoma?

Patients diagnosed with Lymphoma should aim to eat a healthy and balanced diet to supplement the body. This should consist of a high-fibre diet made up of fruits and vegetables while avoiding saturated fats found in highly processed foods.

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What is worse, Non-Hodgkin’s or Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

The prognosis of Lymphoma depends on a combination of the stage of the disease (which refers to the extent of spread of the Lymphoma), as well as the histology grade of the Lymphoma (which is the biopsy analysis which informs us on the subtype of Lymphoma)..

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma tend to be younger and present earlier in disease stage..

In general, patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma tend to have a better response to treatment and an improved overall outcome compared to patients with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

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Can Lymphoma be completely cured?

While high-grade Lymphomas tend to progress more rapidly, a good proportion of high-grade Lymphomas can be effectively treated with a low risk of relapse..

Low-grade Lymphomas often respond well to treatments available. However, they are not usually cured and may recur eventually over time.
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What happens if Lymphoma is left untreated?

This often depends on the sub-type of Lymphoma. Some low-grade forms of Lymphoma can be very slow progressing and may just need observation with no active therapy. However, high-grade sub-types of Lymphoma can be very aggressive, and patients can become unwell in a matter of weeks to months without proper treatment.
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How long can you live with untreated Lymphoma?

This often depends on the sub-type of Lymphoma. Some low-grade forms of Lymphoma can be very slow progressing and may just need observation with no active therapy..

However, high-grade sub-types of Lymphoma can be very aggressive, and patients can become seriously unwell in a matter of weeks to months without proper treatment

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What are the complications of Lymphoma treatment?

Common complications related to Lymphoma treatment include:

• Hair loss
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting
• Lethargy
• Sore mouth
• Sore skin from radiation
• Increased risk of infections

Patients treated for Lymphoma are also at increased risk for longer-term complications, including cardiac issues, reduced fertility and an increased risk of secondary cancers..

Our team at CFCH will guide you through the potential complications of your therapy and discuss the best approaches towards managing your symptoms.

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Can Stage 4 Lymphoma be cured?

Stage III-IV Lymphomas are common, but still very treatable and often curable, depending on the NHL subtype. Stage III and IV are now considered a single category because they have the same treatment and prognosis.
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How long is treatment for Lymphoma?

Most Lymphoma cases are treated with a combination of chemotherapy agents and sometimes targeted therapy. Patients are often treated in cycles of therapy using the same drug combination every few weeks to gradually eliminate the Lymphoma..

Patients usually receive 6-8 cycles of treatment depending on the disease stage and sub-type. Upfront treatment for Lymphoma can last typically for 4-6 months. Our haematology specialists at CFCH will be able to advise you in detail on your specific treatment pathway.
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Can Lymphoma be cured without chemotherapy?

If the Lymphoma isn’t growing at an accelerated rate or causing problems, it can be watched closely without treatment over a period. If treatment is required, it depends on the stage of the Lymphoma. When the Lymphoma is only in one lymph node or area (stage I), it may be treated with radiation therapy. The majority of patients with Lymphoma require treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy.

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Which Lymphoma has the highest survival rate?

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is known to be one of the most treatable forms of cancer and often has a better outlook than Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. However, various factors contribute to one’s prognosis, including the stage and specific type of cancer, along with your age and overall health.
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What foods help with Lymphoma?

While there is no specific diet for patients diagnosed with Lymphoma, sticking to a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet can help support your body as you undergo treatment. Try to include complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, and ample fresh fruits and vegetables.

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When do we use CAR-T cell therapy in Lymphoma?

CAR-T cell therapy has been shown to be effective in patients with B-cell lymphoma who have relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, transformed follicular lymphoma, as well as primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma.

In Singapore, the current approved form of CAR-T cell therapy is indicated for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who have previously failed at least 2 lines of standard treatment.

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What is the cost of Lymphoma treatment in Singapore?

The cost of Lymphoma treatment in Singapore varies depending on factors such as your type of Lymphoma and the treatment plan recommended for you. For more information on the cost of Lymphoma in Singapore and the insurance claims you may be eligible for, get in touch with us at CFCH.

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Disclaimer:
The information on the Centre For Clinical Haematology website is intended for educational use.  It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.
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