The key difference between non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia is that non Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the body’s lymphatic system while leukemia is a cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and sometimes lymphatic system.
Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia are both two types of blood cancers. It is easy to get them confused. While non Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually occurs in the lymphatic system and affects the lymph nodes, leukemia starts in the bone marrow. Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in older adults, while leukemia is commonly diagnosed in children.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
3. What is Leukemia
4. Similarities – Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia
5. Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma vs Leukemia in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia
What is Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer in the body’s lymphatic system, which is a part of the germ-fighting immune system. In non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form tumors throughout the body. Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a general category of lymphoma. There are many subtypes to this category.
Figure 01: Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The signs and symptoms of Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, abdominal pain and swelling, chest pain, coughing, trouble breathing, persistent fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. It is caused by a change (mutation) in the DNA of lymphocytes. However, there are multiple medical conditions associated with an increased risk of developing non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Some of them are inherited immune deficiencies, genetic syndromes like Down syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome, immune disorders (Sjogren’s syndrome), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, family history of lymphoma, bacteria (Helicobacter Pyroli), viruses (HIV, HTLV) and non-random chromosomal translocation, and molecular rearrangements.
Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be diagnosed through physical examination, blood urine test, imaging test (CT scan, MRI), lymph node test, bone marrow test, and lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Furthermore, non Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be treated through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, engineering immune cells to fight lymphoma, bone marrow transplant, and immune therapy.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, mainly bone marrow and sometimes the lymphatic system. Leukemia may cause lymph nodes to become enlarged or swollen. The other symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, weakness, easily bruised skin, unexplained bleeding, frequent infections, night sweats, seizures, headaches, and pain in bone and joints. It usually occurs due to unusual chromosomal rearrangements. The risk factors for leukemia are smoking, exposure to radiation and certain chemicals, having a family history of leukemia, and having a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome.
Figure 02: Leukemia
Moreover, leukemia can be diagnosed through blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, spinal tap, and imaging tests (CT-scan, MRI, and PET scan). It can be treated through chemotherapy, radiation, biologic therapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, and surgery.
What are the Similarities Between Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia?
- Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia are two types of blood cancers.
- Both cancers can occur due to mutation in the DNA of blood cells.
- Family history and genetic syndrome such as Down syndrome are risk factors for both cancer types.
- Both cancers may have similar symptoms, such as fatigue and weakness.
- They may affect the lymphatic system.
- They are treated through chemotherapy, radiation, and transplantation.
What is the Difference Between Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia?
Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the body’s lymphatic system, while leukemia is a cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues. Thus, this is the key difference between non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia. Furthermore, the risk factors for non Hodgkin’s lymphoma include inherited immune deficiencies, genetic syndromes like Down syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome, immune disorders (Sjogren’s syndrome), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, family history of lymphoma, bacteria (Helicobacter Pyroli), viruses (HIV, HTLV) and non-random chromosomal translocation and molecular rearrangements. On the other hand, the risk factors for leukaemia include smoking, exposure to radiation and certain chemicals, having a family history of leukemia, and having a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome.
The below infographic presents the differences between non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma vs Leukemia
Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia are blood cancers. Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs in the lymphatic system. Leukemia occurs in the body’s blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow. So, this is the key difference between non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia.
Reference:
1. “Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.” Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
2. “Leukemia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Jan. 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “CT of abdominal non-Hodgkin lymphoma” By Subhaschandra Singh, Y. Sobita Devi, Shweta Bhalothia and Dr. Veeraraghavan Gunasekaran – Subhaschandra Singh, Y. Sobita Devi, Shweta Bhalothia and Veeraraghavan Gunasekaran (2016). "Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Pictorial Review of Computed Tomography Findings. International Journal of Advanced Research 4 (7): 735–748. DOI:10.21474/IJAR01/936. ISSN 23205407. (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Leukemia- SAG” By Manu Sharma, Scientific Animations (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia