Bandar sunway: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Hon emphasized that Lymphoma is one of the highly curable forms of cancer, with overall cure rates as high as 80 percent, and 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.
She explained that Lymphoma 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.
Dr Hon highlighted common symptoms for lymphoma patients, which include painless swelling of the lymph nodes or abnormal blood counts, prolonged fever without a clear cause, unexplained weight loss, rashes or itching, and profuse night sweats. She further 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 Lymphoma was ranked as the 10th most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 553,389 cases and 250,679 deaths that year. Dr Hon noted that 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.
Dr Hon pointed out that 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. Individuals with weakened immune systems, those who have undergone organ transplants, or those infected with viruses such as HIV, AIDS, or Epstein-Barr virus, are more susceptible to lymphoma.
Exposure to chemicals like benzene, pesticides, and herbicides, as well as previous cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, also increase the risk of lymphoma. 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 described common treatments as including immunochemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, autologous stem cell or bone marrow transplantation, and Chimeric Antigenic Receptor-T (CAR-T) Cell Therapy. Dr Hon acknowledged that 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.
To reduce stress and fatigue, Dr Hon 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 recommended 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.