Leukemiasandlymphomasare often grouped together because they are both blood-related cancers that originate in lymphocytes.
Leukemia and lymphoma can have similar symptoms, including fevers, fatigue, and frequent infections.
However, they do also have symptoms that make them distinct from each other.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Verywell / Jessica Olah
How Are Leukemia and Lymphoma Different?
Leukemiaandlymphomaare both blood cancers that can produce some of the same symptoms.
They originate in different parts of the body, however, and the risk factors are also different.
Verywell
What Is Leukemia?
What is the deadliest blood cancer?
The deadliest pop in of blood cancer is generally considered to be acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
What Is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphoid tissue, which includes both cells and organs.
Origins
Leukemia and lymphoma cancers arise from different types of cells.
Understanding the origin of these cancers can be made easier by describing a few specific types of these diseases.
The myeloid term also includes these blood-forming tissues.
That’s because theystart out in the bone marrow and later migrate (move) to the lymphoid tissue.
Lymphoma
Lymphomas typically originate in the lymph nodes or the spleen.
They spread throughout the lymphatic system.
Some blood cancers have features that are characteristic of both leukemia and lymphoma.
But generally, the lymphoma cells do not appear in the blood circulating in your body.
Though they also arise from white blood cells or their precursors, they aren’t defined as leukemias.
There are two types of lymphoma:
Does leukemia turn into lymphoma?
Rarely, leukemia can transform into lymphoma, usually non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
This is called Richter’s syndrome.
Richter’s syndrome tends to happen with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
As a result, these cancers aren’t diagnosed on the basis of symptoms alone.
There are, however, characteristic symptoms that may point toward a diagnosis of one disease or the other.
Lymphoma Symptoms
Symptoms of lymphomavary and may includepainless swelling of lymph nodes.
B symptoms of lymphomainclude fevers, unintentional weight loss, and drenching night sweats.
Is lymphoma an aggressive cancer?
Lymphoma can be aggressive, but it isn’t always.
Overall, more people in the United States develop lymphomas than leukemias.
The estimated number of new diagnoses for 2024 was 89,190.
The estimated number of new diagnoses for 2024 was 62,770.
Leukemia is usually diagnosed with a complete blood count (CBC).
A bone marrow biopsy is used to confirm the results.
Leukemia causes high numbers of white blood cells to circulate in the bloodstream.
This excess of white blood cells in the peripheral bloodstream is more typical of leukemia.
Early involvement of the bone marrow also is more typical of leukemia.
Lymphoma is usually diagnosed with a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy.
Imaging and other tests help healthcare providers determine the stage.
Lymphoma Prognosis
Life expectancywith Hodgkin lymphoma has improved dramatically as well.
Summary
Both leukemias and lymphomas are considered “blood-related” cancers.
They involve cells that play an important role in immune function.
They affect white blood cells that grow and migrate to these organs in the body.
Lymphomas affect cells and tissue of the same organs, but also others including the tonsils.
Lymphoma and leukemia symptoms can be similar though lymphomas occur more often.
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis, so see your healthcare provider about your symptoms.
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