Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Lymphoma and Lymphedema?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Lymphoma and Lymphedema?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Lymphoma and lymphedema are two distinct conditions that affect the lymphatic system, but they have different characteristics and manifestations:

Lymphoma:

  • Lymphoma is a group of cancers that affect white blood cells called lymphocytes, which help fight infections.
  • There are two main types of lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Lymphoma occurs when lymphocytes reproduce and enlarge abnormally, especially in the lymph nodes.
  • Risk factors for lymphoma include age, being male, having an impaired immune system, and developing certain infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Lymphedema:

  • Lymphedema is a medical condition that causes swelling in a part of the body due to lymph fluid blockage.
  • It can be caused by the removal or damage of lymph nodes, which are an important part of the lymphatic and immune system.
  • There are two types of lymphedema: primary lymphedema (often due to congenital syndromes) and secondary lymphedema (commonly associated with cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy).
  • While lymphedema can cause discomfort, it is not dangerous in and of itself. However, it is essential to determine the cause of the blockage, as sometimes it can be associated with a malignancy such as breast cancer.

In summary, lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, while lymphedema is a medical condition that causes swelling due to lymph fluid blockage. Although both conditions affect the lymphatic system, their causes, symptoms, and treatments are different.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Lymphoma and Lymphedema?
  • Comparative Table: Lymphoma vs Lymphedema

    • Comparative Table: Lymphoma vs Lymphedema

    Lymphoma and lymphedema are two distinct conditions related to the lymphatic system. Here is a table summarizing the differences between them:

    Feature Lymphoma Lymphedema
    Definition Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. Lymphedema is a medical condition that causes swelling due to lymph fluid blockage.
    Types There are two basic forms of lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma. There are two types of lymphedema: Primary lymphedema (often due to genetic syndromes) and Secondary lymphedema (commonly associated with cancer treatment, surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy).
    Causes Lymphoma is caused by the uncontrolled growth of white blood cells that help fight infections. Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid collects in the lymph nodes or other parts of the lymphatic system.
    Symptoms Lymphoma symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and weight loss. Lymphedema symptoms include swelling in parts of the body, such as arms or legs.
    Diagnosis Lymphoma is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and biopsy. Lymphedema is diagnosed through a physical examination and tests such as lymphoscintigraphy.
    Treatment Lymphoma treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Lymphedema treatment involves a combination of manual lymph drainage, compression garments, and exercises.

    It is important to note that while lymphedema can be a symptom of lymphoma, they are separate conditions with distinct causes and treatments.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.