Best Lymphoma Cancer Treatment Hospital in Delhi

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer. It usually originates in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of the body's immune system and filters the blood for pathogens. It affects lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help fight infections. Delhi is home to some of India’s leading hospitals for lymphoma treatment, equipped with advanced medical technology and expert healthcare professionals.

Choosing the best lymphoma cancer treatment hospital in Delhi is the most crucial task for the patient. Several factors must be considered to ensure the hospital has all the tests, treatment options and comprehensive care.

Keep reading this article to learn about lymphoma and how to choose the right hospital for its treatment in Delhi!

Lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. It disrupts the production and functioning of lymphocytes, leading to abnormal cell growth. If not treated early, lymphoma can spread to other body parts.

Types of Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma is broadly classified into two main types:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL):
  • This type is characterised by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
  • It typically starts in the lymph nodes of the neck and spreads in an orderly manner.
  • HL is more common in young adults and has a high cure rate with timely treatment.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL):
  • This is a more diverse group of lymphomas that can arise anywhere in the lymphatic system.
  • NHL is further divided based on the type of lymphocyte involved (B-cells or T-cells) and its growth rate (indolent or aggressive).
  • It is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma and requires a varied treatment approach.

Staging of Lymphoma Cancer

The extent of its spread determines the stage of lymphoma:

• Stage I: Cancer is localised to one lymph node region or a single organ.
• Stage II: The cancer has reached two or more lymph nodes. But it still affects only one side of the diaphragm.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to various lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm. It is also possible that nearby organs may be affected.
• Stage IV: Cancer has metastasised to distant organs and lymph nodes. The lymphomas can spread mainly to the liver, lungs, bone marrow, etc.

Lymphoma symptoms can vary but often include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Persistent fatigue
• Fever and night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin or rash
• Shortness of breath or chest pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

The exact cause of lymphoma is not always clear, but several risk factors can increase its likelihood:

• Weakened Immune System: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive therapy can increase the risk of getting lymphoma cancer
• Infections: Viruses such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) or Helicobacter pylori can increase the risk of getting lymphoma cancer.
• Age and Gender: Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in young adults, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma often affects older individuals. Men are slightly more prone to lymphoma.
• Family History: A genetic predisposition may increase the risk. If your first-degree relative(parent, sibling, or child) is affected by lymphoma cancer, you may also be at risk of getting lymphoma cancer.
• Exposure to Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to pesticides or industrial chemicals during a job or because of living in a locality close to an industry can increase the risk of lymphoma cancer.
• Radiation exposure: Undergoing a lot of CT, MRI, and X-ray scans can also be a risk factor. When you undergo these scans very often, you may absorb some of the radiation, which can cause cancer.

Diagnosing lymphoma involves a combination of tests to confirm its presence and stage:

• Physical Examination: Checking for swollen lymph nodes or other abnormalities. Based on the observations from the physical examination, your doctor may suggest you undergo some advanced tests.
• Biopsy: Removing a sample of lymph node tissue for microscopic examination. A biopsy is the most definitive test to detect lymphoma cancer.
• Blood Tests: Assessing overall health and detecting markers of lymphoma. However, blood tests cannot be a definite way to detect lymphoma cancer.
• Imaging Tests: CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs to determine the extent of spread.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration: Examining bone marrow to check for cancerous cells.

The treatment for lymphoma depends on its type, stage, and the patient’s overall health. Standard treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy:
  • The primary treatment for most lymphomas is using drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs can be either administered orally or through an IV infusion. 
  • Patients may require multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Side effects of chemotherapy may include fatigue, hair loss, and nausea.
• Radiation Therapy:
  • High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells in specific areas. Radiation can be used externally or through a minimally invasive procedure. 
  • It is often combined with chemotherapy for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Targeted Therapy:
  • Drugs like rituximab specifically target proteins in cancer cells, sparing healthy cells. The target is usually a protein or an enzyme essential for cancer growth. 
  • Used for certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Immunotherapy:
  • Our immune system possesses the capacity to kill cancer cells. However, cancer cells can sometimes be resistant to these immune attacks. Immunotherapy boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.
  • Therapies like this target immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The cost of lymphoma treatment can vary based on several factors:

• Advanced stages of lymphoma cancer require costlier treatment options. 
• Diagnostic tests and imaging can contribute to the overall cost of lymphoma cancer treatment. 
• The hospital's locality and the medical team's expertise also contribute to the overall treatment cost. You may need to visit the hospital very often. Hence, it is better to choose a hospital which is easily commutable.
• Supporting care is crucial to ensure complete lymphoma cancer treatment. Supporting care may include nutritional counselling, physiotherapy, etc. If supportive care is provided by the treatment hospital itself then their cost might be lesser.

Amerix Cancer Hospital is one of the top choices for lymphoma cancer treatment in Delhi. It hosts cutting-edge technology, a multidisciplinary team of specialists, and personalised care. It is determined to offer world-class treatments to patients with compassionate care.

Amerix Cancer Hospital offers various services, from advanced diagnostics like biopsies and genetic testing to the latest treatments such as robotic surgery and targeted therapy.

The hospital provides holistic care, including nutritional support and psychological counselling, to ensure the best care for patients.

Amerix Cancer Hospital is the one-stop cancer centre for treating and caring for early to advanced-stage lymphoma cancer patients.

You may book a consultation today for any queries about lymphoma cancer, treatment options, costs, and facilities at Amerix Cancer Hospital.