Lymphoma can be cured, say doctors

Instances of cancer among children are not uncommon anymore. In India, lymphoma, that constitutes approximately 20% of all cancers in children, is also the second-most common cancer among paediatric population. On the occasion of World Lymphoma Awareness Day, on September 15, oncologists from the city spoke about the disease and its treatment among children.

“In general, the incidence of cancer in children is on the rise because of increased awareness, recognition, and timely diagnosis. Incidents of lymphoma is seen among a population of 5.6 per 1,00,000. Lymphoma is more common in children and also seen in adults, because of viral infections EBV (Epstein Barr Virus),” said Dr Intezar Mehdi, consultant, paediatric oncologist, HCG.

Timely detection of Lymphoma is important, said experts.

“However, once detected, the children need not be on treatment throughout their life. Lymphoma, in general, on an average, requires five to six months of treatment. And mostly, the treatment involves sessions of chemotherapy, with or without radiotherapy, depending on the case,” said Dr Mehdi. In cases, where the patient has recurrent or progressive lymphoma, bone marrow transplant is the best option, he added.

A lot of research is going on globally about lymphoma and its treatment.

“There are some experimental drugs which are used abroad for treating lymphoma-affected patients. But In India, as of now, we are using standard chemotherapy to treat patients,” said Dr Mehdi.

The common symptoms of lymphoma include, painless enlargement of lymph glands anywhere in the body, commonly in the neck, axilla, or groin.

Sometimes, this is coupled with fever and weight loss. And generally, diagnosis is done with help of tissue biopsy from lymph nodes, any other body lump or bone marrow.

“Children generally have a more aggressive lymphoma than adults. However, the best part about paediatric lymphoma is that, once the initial aggressive phase is tackled, it can be managed well and cured,” said Dr Sharad Damodar, HoD, haematology, Mazumdar Shaw Cancer Centre. The cure rate of lymphoma is 70 to 80%, he said.