Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, the network of lymph nodes, spleen, and related tissue that helps the body fight infection. It develops when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow and divide abnormally, and is broadly divided into Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma based on specific cell characteristics seen under the microscope. The exact subtype and stage at diagnosis determine the recommended treatment approach.
Understanding Lymphoma
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that carries lymph fluid and immune cells throughout the body, helping defend against infection. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that travels through this system, are of two main types: B cells and T cells. Lymphoma occurs when a lymphocyte undergoes a genetic change that causes it to multiply abnormally, forming collections of malignant cells in lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, or occasionally other organs.
Lymphomas are broadly split into Hodgkin lymphoma, identified by the presence of a distinctive abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which covers a much larger and more varied group of subtypes. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas range from indolent (slow-growing) forms that may be observed for a period before treatment, to aggressive forms that require prompt therapy. Lymphoma can occur at any age, though different subtypes tend to cluster in different age groups.
Once lymphoma is confirmed on biopsy, staging determines how far the disease has spread, using imaging such as PET-CT alongside clinical assessment. Staging, together with the specific subtype identified on biopsy, is what actually determines the treatment plan, which is why an accurate, tissue-based diagnosis is the essential first step before any treatment decision is made.
Signs of Lymphoma to watch for
When to see a haematologist
A lymph node swelling that persists beyond two to three weeks, especially if it is painless and firm, should be evaluated rather than observed indefinitely.
The combination of fever, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss, sometimes referred to as B symptoms, warrants prompt haematology assessment.
Lymph node swelling that continues to enlarge, or new swellings appearing in other areas, should be assessed for a possible biopsy.
Tests offered at the centre
Excisional Lymph Node Biopsy
Removal of an affected lymph node, or a substantial portion of it, provides the tissue needed for accurate lymphoma diagnosis and subtyping, which a needle sample alone often cannot achieve.
Immunohistochemistry and Flow Cytometry
Specialised laboratory testing on the biopsy sample identifies the specific proteins expressed by the abnormal cells, distinguishing Hodgkin from non-Hodgkin lymphoma and identifying the exact subtype.
PET-CT and CT Imaging
Imaging is used to determine the stage of lymphoma, mapping which lymph node regions or organs are involved and establishing a baseline to assess response to treatment.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
A marrow sample may be examined to check whether lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow, which affects staging and treatment planning.
Treatment options
Your treatment plan is personalized to your diagnosis, subtype and overall health.
Combination Chemotherapy
Regimens such as ABVD for Hodgkin lymphoma or R-CHOP for certain non-Hodgkin lymphomas are selected according to subtype and stage, following internationally aligned protocols.
Targeted Therapy and Monoclonal Antibodies
Agents such as rituximab target specific markers on lymphoma cells and are combined with chemotherapy in many B-cell lymphoma subtypes as part of a personalized regimen.
Radiation Therapy
Localised radiation may be used for limited-stage disease or specific involved sites, often in combination with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy
Newer immune-based approaches are considered for select relapsed or refractory cases as part of advanced treatment planning.
Stem Cell Transplant
For relapsed or refractory lymphoma, autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant may be considered to intensify treatment for eligible patients.
Why choose AP Blood & Blood Cancer Centre
As a single-specialty haematology centre, lymphoma care here is built around accurate subtyping and staging before treatment begins, using excisional biopsy, immunohistochemistry, and PET-CT imaging rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This focus matters because Hodgkin lymphoma, indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma are managed very differently.
Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Clinical Haematology), brings over 7 years of clinical haematology experience and has been part of specialist transplant teams managing more than 500 bone marrow transplant patients, along with recognition through an ASH Abstract Award. Treatment plans for lymphoma are personalized to the confirmed subtype and stage, with transplant available as part of the pathway for relapsed or refractory disease when appropriate.
Common questions about Lymphoma
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, MD, DNB (Clinical Haematology)
Last reviewed on 1 July 2026
Noticed persistent lymph node swelling?
Persistent or unexplained lymph node swelling should be evaluated by a clinical haematologist to determine whether further testing is needed.