Blood cancer occurs when blood cells or bone marrow cells that can produce blood are affected. Various types of blood cancer are present, and all of them are distinguishable from each other.
However, lymphoma and leukaemia are also types of blood cancer, which confuses many, as they have similarities. Yet there are several key differences through which you can differentiate between them.
Now, let’s first understand them.
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma occurs when the lymphatic system, which includes tissues, vessels, and organs, is affected. Lymphocytes present in the lymph nodes are primarily impacted. Lymphocytes, white blood cells that can differentiate into two types of cells, B and T, where one helps in antibody production while the other kills foreign cells or cancer cells to protect the body.
Due to a mutation in the DNA, lymphocytes began replicating abnormally at different rates, either indolently (slowly) or rapidly. Therefore, the excess lymphocytes crowd out the normal cells, resulting in impaired immune system function.
Lymphoma is categorised into many types; however, the following 2 are the main types:
- Hodgkin lymphoma: It originates in the lymph nodes that are present in the underarm, chest, or neck area. It can spread from one lymph node to another. Characterised by the presence of the large Reed-Sternberg cells when a sample is seen under the microscope. It mainly occurs in young adults, and older people (>55 years old) are at higher risk.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A more common type of lymphoma. Unlike the Hodgkin, there are no Reed-Sternberg cells present. It commonly affects children and young adults. Older individuals aged 65 years and older are at higher risk.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia, a type of complex cancer that affects bone marrow, the body’s blood-forming cells. It results in the abnormal production of too many white blood cells. Due to the excess, the normal cells crowd out and thus affect the normal functioning of the body. Other organs may also be affected, such as the spleen, lymph nodes, and liver.
The major types of leukemia include,
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): ALL typically affects children and young adults but can also develop in older individuals. It may spread to the lymph nodes and central nervous system (CNS).
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML): AML is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults, though it can also occur in children. It rapidly progresses, thus requiring immediate treatment.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL usually affects older adults. It tends to develop slowly and may remain asymptomatic for years.
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): CML progresses gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. It is more common in adults.
Other types of leukemia
Less common forms include myelodysplastic syndromes, hairy-cell leukemia, and myeloproliferative disorders.
Key Differences Lymphoma vs. Leukaemia
Some of the key differences between lymphoma and leukemia are as follows:
Symptoms
Some symptoms of lymphoma and leukemia are similar to each other: they are fever, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and frequent infections. However, the following symptoms are unique, depending on each cancer type.
The table below shows the different symptoms of lymphoma and leukemia:
| Parameter | Lymphoma | Leukemia |
| Lymph node involvement | Swollen, painless lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin) | May involve lymph nodes in some types |
| Skin symptoms | Itchy skin, rashes | Rarely seen |
| Sweating | Night sweats (especially soaking sheets) | Rarely seen |
| Respiratory symptoms | Persistent cough, chest pain (due to enlarged nodes) | Shortness of breath (from anemia or infection) |
| Bleeding/bruising | Rare | Frequent nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and easy bruising |
| Bone pain | Rare | Common in certain types, like ALL or AML |
| Spleen/liver involvement | Fullness/bloating due to enlargement | Enlargement is also possible, especially in chronic types |
| Pale skin (anemia) | Less common | Very common |
Causes
The exact causes of lymphoma and leukemia are not always known; however, several risk factors and triggers have been identified for each. Genetic mutation and patients with a family history are always at higher risk.
The table below shows key differences in risk factors for lymphoma and leukemia
| Risk Factor | Lymphoma | Leukemia |
| Genetic Mutations | In B or T lymphocytes | In bone marrow stem cells |
| Weakened Immune System | HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases, post-organ transplant | Can increase vulnerability, especially in acute types |
| Infections | Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) | Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1), certain viral infections |
| Radiation Exposure | Prior cancer treatments or environmental exposure | Previous chemotherapy or nuclear radiation exposure |
| Chemical Exposure | Pesticides, herbicides | Benzene, industrial chemicals |
| Smoking | Possible indirect link | Strongly linked to AML |
| Family History | Family history of lymphoma | Family history of leukemia in some subtypes |
| Age | Hodgkin: young adults; Non-Hodgkin: >60 years | Varies: ALL in children, AML & CML in adults |
| Gender | Slightly more common in males | Varies with type |
| Other Medical Conditions | Autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, RA) | Genetic syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome) |
Staging of Lymphoma and Leukemia
Lymphoma is staged using the Ann Arbor System, which ranges from Stage I (cancer confined to a single lymph node region or one nearby site) to Stage IV (cancer spread widely to organs such as the bone marrow, liver, or lungs).
Leukemia, however, is not staged by location because it typically involves the blood and bone marrow throughout the body. Instead, leukemia is classified based on its type (acute or chronic), genetic mutations, and disease progression, which guide treatment decisions.
Diagnosis
Lymphoma is usually diagnosed with a bone marrow biopsy, and to confirm the stages, further imaging tests are done. However, for leukemia, a complete blood cell count is the commonly used diagnostic test, and to confirm the specific type of leukemia, a bone marrow biopsy may also be recommended.
Treatment
Both lymphoma and leukemia can be treated with the commonly available treatments. However, the type of treatment may vary depending on the type and the stages of cancer.
The treatments may include,
- Chemotherapy: Some of the powerful medicines are used to treat the cancer by killing the cancerous cells.
- Radiation therapy: Powerful radiation beams are directed to the specific areas where the cancer has spread. This treatment may also be given with chemotherapy to completely cure the condition.
- Immunotherapy: This approach boosts the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. It includes monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Targeted Therapy: These are specialized drugs that target specific molecules or genetic mutations involved in cancer cell growth, helping minimize damage to healthy cells.
- Bone Marrow Transplant (Stem Cell Transplant): In cases where standard treatments are not enough, a bone marrow transplant replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells to restore normal blood cell production.
Takeaways
Understanding the differences between lymphoma and leukemia is essential for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment. While both are blood cancers, they originate in different parts of the body and may require different approaches to care. With advancements in medical science, effective treatment options are available, and many patients can lead fulfilling lives post-treatment.
