Lymphoma Beatable With Early Detection, Treatment And Support, Says Specialist
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Lymphoma is a formidable adversary, but with early detection, the right treatment, and strong support, it is a battle that can be won, says Dr Hon Siong Leng, Consultant Haematologist and Transplant Physician from Sunway Medical Centre, Bandar Sunway.
She said the good news is that Lymphoma is one of the highly curable forms of cancer, with overall cure rates as high as 80 percent, with even stage 4 showing a cure rate of up to 70 percent.
Dr Hon defined Lymphoma as a type of blood cancer that targets lymphocytes, an important form of white blood cell responsible for defending the body against infections like bacteria and viruses
“It occurs when a mutation in normal lymphocytes transforms them into abnormal, cancerous cells. Unlike normal lymphocytes, the abnormal cells replicate rapidly and have an extended lifespan.
“These cancerous cells spread through the blood and lymphatic systems, eventually growing in various body parts, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs,” she said in a statement today.
She highlighted that lymphoma patients typically present with painless swelling of the lymph nodes or abnormal blood counts and also experience a range of symptoms, such as prolonged fever without a clear cause, body temperature above 39.5 degrees Celsius, unexplained weight loss, rashes or itching and profuse night sweats.
She explained that the condition is broadly classified into two main types: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), and is the 4th most common cancer and the 7th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Malaysia.
Citing Globocan 2022, she noted that it ranked as the 10th most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 553,389 cases and 250,679 deaths in that year alone.
Dr Hon said HL is typically diagnosed in younger adults, while NHL is more common in older adults and has many subtypes, including B-cell and T-cell lymphomas.
“The likelihood of developing lymphoma rises with age, particularly NHL, with the median age of diagnosis being 67 years. In Malaysia, NHL is the 6th most common cancer among males and the 8th most common cancer among females,” she pointed out.
People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to lymphoma, and this includes those who have undergone organ transplants and are on immunosuppressive medications, as well as individuals infected with viruses such as HIV, AIDS or Epstein-Barr virus.
Exposure to chemicals like benzene, pesticides, and herbicides (e.g., glyphosate) increases the risk of lymphoma, as well as previous cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, also raise the risk, she added.
Dr Hon advised that it is important to consult a specialist as treatment options vary depending on the type and staging of lymphoma, as well as the aggressiveness of the cancer.
She said common treatments include immunochemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, autologous stem cell or bone marrow transplantation and Chimeric Antigenic Receptor-T (CAR-T) Cell Therapy.
“A diagnosis of lymphoma can impact patients both mentally and physically. The side effects of treatment, coupled with the emotional toll of battling cancer, can affect a patient’s quality of life,” she noted.
To reduce stress and fatigue, she suggested practices like meditation or deep breathing, which can improve quality of life. She also advised joining a support group to help manage symptoms and provide emotional and spiritual support.
She said maintaining a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains and full-fat dairy products, consuming well-cooked food during treatment and avoiding traditional medicine to prevent potential drug intervention would also help with the side effects of treatment.
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