AI Summary Overview
How is Lymphoma Diagnosed?
The first step in lymphoma diagnosis is usually a physical exam. The healthcare provider will check for swollen lymph nodes in the underarms, neck, and groin. They may also do a sonography or more advanced imaging tests like a CT, PET or PET-CT scan to check for an enlarged liver or spleen. If your doctor suspects lymphoma, they might suggest a few blood tests, imaging tests, and even a biopsy, if needed.
Biopsies to confirm lymphoma can be carried out in multiple ways. The primary and most essential method is a lymph node biopsy, where a part or all of an affected lymph node is removed for examination. A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy collect cells from the bone marrow for testing. While a lumbar puncture samples fluid from the spinal cord by inserting a needle between two spinal bones.
If your healthcare provider suspects the lymphoma may be in your stomach, they may also suggest an upper endoscopy. The cells are then tested in the lab to identify the kind of lymphoma you may have.
How is Lymphoma Treated Based on Stage?
The table below explains the different stages of lymphoma and the treatment approach at each stage:
| Disease Stage | Treatment Approach |
| Stage 1 Lymphoma (Cancer present in one node or one localised area outside the lymphatic system) | Active monitoring (for slow-growing types); chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be suggested in some cases. |
| Stage 2 Lymphoma (Cancer present in two or more nodes on the same side of the diaphragm, or extended from the node to a nearby organ) | Chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is used (often combined with targeted immunotherapy). |
| Stage 3 Lymphoma (Cancer present in many nodes on both sides of the diaphragm and which could have spread to the spleen) | Chemotherapy, targeted immunotherapy are the primary options. |
| Stage 4 Lymphoma (Cancer spread outside of the lymphatic system or present in distant organs such as the liver, bone marrow or lungs) | In addition to chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, stem cell transplants, or clinical trials are key treatment options. |
Types of Lymphoma and Their Treatment
There are two major types of lymphoma: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. The table below explains the best treatment recommended for these types:
| Type of Lymphoma | Treatment Approaches |
| Hodgkin Lymphoma | Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and localised radiation. |
| Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | Chemotherapy, targeted immunotherapy (e.g., rituximab), active monitoring (if slow-growing), CAR T-cell therapy, or stem cell transplant. |
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Commonly Advised Treatment for Lymphoma Lymphoma treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the stage at which you are. The most commonly prescribed treatments for lymphoma include:
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Active Surveillance If your condition shows no symptoms, your healthcare provider may advise you to wait a few months and keep a close watch on it. They may ask you to visit for checkups regularly to assess how fast or slow the cancer is growing. Once they decide the benefits of treatment outweigh the side effects, you may have to start on chemotherapy.
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Chemotherapy Many types of chemotherapy medicines help treat lymphoma. Your healthcare professional will take into consideration factors such as your overall health, age, and specific features before creating your treatment plans.
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Radiation Therapy This type of lymphoma treatment uses high-energy radiation beams to attack cancer cells. X-rays, protons, and other types of energy are used on precise points of your body as you lie on a table with the machine moving around you.
Other Treatments for Lymphoma
Depending on the type of lymphoma and how it responds to initial treatment, doctors may also consider other treatment options, such as:
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Immunotherapy In this form of lymphoma treatment, your healthcare provider will administer monoclonal antibodies that help your body's immune system attack the cancer cells. This form of treatment is usually used for recurring lymphoma.
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Targeted Therapy It targets specific molecules (such as proteins, enzymes, and cell-surface receptors) present in cancer cells. They block the signalling pathways that these molecules use to grow and divide, leading to the death of cancer cells.
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CAR-T Cell Therapy Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy helps train your immune system to fight lymphoma. It starts with extracting your white blood cells and sending them to a lab to help them make new receptors. These receptors identify a marker on the surface of lymphoma cells in the body, helping your immune system find and destroy them.
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Bone Marrow Transplant Bone marrow transplant may only be an option for lymphoma treatment for younger patients and those who are in good health. This type of treatment includes inserting healthy bone marrow stem cells into an infected individual. These healthy stem cells can come from your own body or from a donor.
Oral Treatment for Lymphoma
Some of the most commonly used oral therapies for lymphoma include
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Acalabrutinib (Calquence): It is the approved treatment for small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (SLL/CLL) as well as Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after one round of traditional treatment.
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Ibrutinib (Imbruvica): Usually prescribed for SLL/CLL and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM)
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Lenalidomide (Revlimid): Used for MCL (after two rounds of traditional treatment)
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Venetoclax (Venclexta): This is a targeted prescription medication for SLL/CLL.
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Zanubrutinib (Brukinsa): This medication can be used for MCL, WM, SLL/CLL, or relapsed or recurrent follicular lymphoma after at least one or two rounds of traditional therapy.
Note: It is always recommended to consume medications after consulting with your doctor to get the right treatment.
Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatment for Lymphoma
Also known as Granthibheda in Ayurveda, lymphoma is believed to result from a severe Kapha (cool elements)-Pitta (hot elements) imbalance, leading to lymph cell proliferation. Ayurvedic treatment for lymphoma focuses on regaining this balance with processes such as:
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Panchakarma Detoxification: This is one of the most powerful treatments in Ayurveda; it removes toxins from cells and channels, clearing blockages to allow nutrients to reach cells. It also helps reduce inflammation in the body and prepare it for rejuvenation therapy.
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Herbal Formulations: Primary herbs used for lymphomas are Kanchanara Guggul, Guduchi, Varun, Neem, Turmeric, and Manjistha.
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Rasayana Rejuvenation: This treatment helps rebuild your body's immune system, nourish depleted tissues, and restore lost vitality. It usually includes adaptogenic herbs (like Ashwagandha and Shatavari), a nutrient-dense diet with Ghee, stress-reducing lifestyle practices, and herbal oil massages.
Note: Ayurvedic and complementary treatments are always recommended to consume after consulting your doctor. These are not alternatives to the medicines that doctors recommend.
Home Care for Managing Lymphoma
Here are a few ways you can care for yourself and your mental health at home:
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Eat nutritious meals to maintain your strength and energy.
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Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
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Get enough sleep and rest when needed.
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Do light physical activity if you feel comfortable.
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Take your medicines exactly as prescribed.
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Wash your hands regularly to reduce infection risk.
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Keep up with your doctor’s appointments and tests.
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Tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms.
Latest Treatment for Lymphoma in India
Latest advances in lymphoma treatment include a better understanding of the gene structural changes that can lead to lymphoma. This information can help healthcare providers develop a personalised treatment plan and provide improved care.
Researchers are also testing different combinations of drugs, such as adding ibrutinib and rituximab to chemotherapy. Targeted treatments, including venetoclax for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma, and loncastuximab for recurring large B-cell lymphoma, have also been approved by the FDA.
There are also efforts to make treatment regimens less toxic and to reduce side effects associated with standard treatment options. Clinical trials are also underway for different types of lymphoma, including treatments with glofitamab, epcoritamab, and mosunetuzumab, which help shrink aggressive lymphomas and trigger long-lasting remission.
How Long Does Lymphoma Treatment Take?
Here are a few types of lymphoma treatment options and their timelines:
| Lymphoma Treatment | Approximate Durations |
| Active surveillance | Doctors will monitor your health for months before prescribing any medicines. |
| Chemotherapy | Lasts 3 to 6 months, with around 2 to 4 weeks in between sessions to give healthy cells time to grow back. |
| Radiation Therapy | 2 to 4 weeks of daily sessions, but the shrinking of cancer cells can continue for weeks or months after the last session. |
| Immunotherapy | Checkpoint inhibitors - 2 to 4 months CAR-T cell therapy - 1 to 3 months Cancer Vaccines - 2 to 6 months |
Lymphoma Treatment Side Effects
The side effects of lymphoma treatment mainly depend on the kind of treatment you are undergoing. Some of the common side effects include:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Fatigue
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Rash
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Fever
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Bone marrow suppression
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Medicine toxicity
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Infertility
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Reactivation of past viral infections
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Lymphoma
Here are a few simple lifestyle adjustments that support healing and well-being during and after lymphoma treatment:
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Increasing protein intake can help repair any healthy cells damaged by chemotherapy and maintain muscle mass.
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Drinking more water helps flush chemotherapy drugs from the body more quickly, reducing side effects and preventing dehydration.
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Moderate activity, like a 15- to 20-minute walk, can help maintain muscle strength, improve mood, and support cardiovascular health.
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Protecting yourself from infections can lower the risk of complications when white blood cell counts are low.
These simple habits usually have a cumulative effect and can help optimise the effectiveness of your treatment.
Factors That Can Worsen Lymphoma
A few factors that can worsen the symptoms of lymphoma include:
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Having a weakened immune system from HIV or illness
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Taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant
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Having autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
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Past exposure to chemotherapy or radiation treatments
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Growing older increases the overall statistical risk
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Having a parent or sibling with lymphoma
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Chronic infections like Epstein-Barr virus or Hepatitis C
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Excess body weight causing chronic internal inflammation
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Prolonged contact with industrial pesticides or benzene
Lymphoma Treatment Cost
The estimated cost of lymphoma treatment in India needs to account for a range of medical techniques. From doctor's visits to diagnostic tests and the medicines to follow, the cost can add up quickly.
Chemotherapy can cost anywhere between ₹40,000 and ₹1.5 lakh per cycle, while radiation therapy can range from ₹60,000 to ₹2.5 lakh for the complete course. Most advanced treatments, like targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, and CAR-T cell therapy, can cost ₹1.8 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh per month or per cycle, ₹25,000 to ₹4.5 lakh per cycle, ₹8 lakh to 40 lakh, and ₹30 lakh to 40 lakh, respectively.
Does Health Insurance Cover Lymphoma Treatment in India?
Yes, most health insurance plans in India cover lymphoma treatment. It includes hospitalisation costs, diagnostic tests and other recommended medical procedures.
Lymphoma is also covered under critical illness plans or dedicated cancer insurance plans. These plans provide a lump-sum payout upon the first diagnosis of a covered cancer. However, you need to complete a waiting period of up to 90 days and a survival period of up to 30 days.
A minimum sum insured of ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh is recommended for basic cancer treatment, and a cover of over ₹50 lakh for severe complications requiring advanced treatment.
However, make sure you read your policy details clearly before investing in a plan of your choice, as each insurer and plan may have different terms and conditions related to waiting period, coverage and exclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q1. Can lymphoma be 100% cured?
Ans: While there is no 100% guarantee, most healthcare providers can successfully treat and, in some cases, even cure lymphoma. -
Q2. How to take care of a lymphoma patient?
Ans: A lymphoma patient needs palliative care, which usually includes medication as well as emotional and spiritual support. They can also practise yoga or meditation, which helps reduce stress associated with the disease. -
Q3. How to heal lymphatic cancer?
Ans: Chemotherapy, targeted treatments, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are some ways to help treat lymphatic cancer.
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References
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https://www.policybazaar.com/health-insurance/cancer-insurance/
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https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22225-lymphoma#management-and-treatment
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352642
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https://www.moffitt.org/cancers/lymphomas-hodgkin-and-non-hodgkin/diagnosis/stages/
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