Is lymphoma a type of cancer?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Cancer refers to malignant tumors. Tumors are classified into benign and malignant types, with the malignant ones commonly referred to as cancer. Often discussed are those originating from epithelial cells, termed carcinomas, such as lung cancer and breast cancer. However, there are special types such as those originating from mesenchymal tissue, called sarcomas, including synovial sarcoma and osteosarcoma, which are also malignant tumors and belong to cancer. Lymphoma, a malignant tumor originating from lymph nodes or extranodal tissues or organs, is also classified as cancer.

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Written by Wu Xia
Oncology
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Is lymphoma contagious?

Current research has not found lymphoma to have a very clear genetic predisposition or familial clustering. This is entirely different from familial breast cancer and colon cancer. Although there are many causes of lymphoma, and it is likely related to certain bacterial and viral infections, the mechanism of tumor occurrence is very complex. Infection is only one of the external factors, and currently, there is no evidence that lymphoma has tendencies for contagion or outbreaks. Therefore, as a relative of a lymphoma patient, the risk of developing lymphoma is not significantly higher than that of the general population, so there is no need for excessive worry.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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The difference between lymphoma and lymphatic cancer

Cancer, commonly referred to as malignant tumors in everyday language, is generally known to the public simply as cancer—for example, lung cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, etc. It specifically refers to malignant tumors that occur in epithelial tissue, which we call cancer. Lymphoma, on the other hand, refers to malignant tumors that occur in lymph nodes, or in extranodal organs or tissues, which we call lymphoma. There are also malignant tumors that occur in mesenchymal tissue, known as sarcomas. In fact, lymphoma is also a type of malignant tumor, so people commonly refer to it as lymphatic cancer. Therefore, lymphoma and lymphatic cancer are essentially the same disease, with lymphatic cancer specifically referring to lymphoma.

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Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
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What are the symptoms of lymphoma?

The symptoms of lymphoma usually involve painless, progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, typically located in areas like the neck, under the jaw, and below the chin. However, beyond these localized symptoms, lymphoma can also present with systemic symptoms, which include fever, night sweats, weight loss, as well as rashes and itching skin. Thus, lymphoma encompasses both local and systemic symptoms.

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Written by Wu Xia
Oncology
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How long can lymphoma last?

In clinical practice, lymphomas are classified into Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a relatively common type of tumor in China and has the highest incidence among lymphomas. However, it is further divided into dozens of subtypes, each with distinct clinical symptoms. Aggressive lymphomas can be cured, while indolent lymphomas can be managed with the tumor remaining. Thus, the question of how long one can live with lymphoma cannot be generalized; it depends on the type and stage of the disease, and many can be cured completely.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Lymphoma PR means "partial remission" of lymphoma.

"Lymphoma PR refers to an assessment of the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Typically, in clinical practice, after two rounds of chemotherapy, a comprehensive examination is conducted to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. PR stands for partial remission, which means that the measurable size of the tumor has reduced by at least 30% and has remained stable for four weeks. Clinically, this is referred to as PR, or partial remission, and it is an assessment of the effectiveness of chemotherapy."