Difference between lymphoma and lymphatic cancer

Jul 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I was diagnosed with lymphoma, but I don't quite understand how it happened. I would like to know, what is the difference between lymphoma and lymphatic cancer?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi

The main differences between lymphoma and lymphatic cancer lie in their benign or malignant nature and the resulting clinical manifestations, growth characteristics, treatment approaches, and prognoses.

Lymphoma is a tumor originating from the lymphatic and hematopoietic systems and can be classified as either benign or malignant. Benign lymphomas grow slowly, are well differentiated, show minimal cellular atypia, have limited impact on the body, generally do not metastasize, and can usually be cured through surgical removal.

Lymphatic cancer, or malignant lymphoma, grows rapidly, is poorly differentiated, exhibits significant cellular atypia, easily invades surrounding tissues and metastasizes, causes more severe symptoms, and can be life-threatening, requiring management through radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or other treatments.

Although the terms lymphoma and lymphatic cancer are sometimes used differently in everyday language, in medical terminology they are synonymous, both referring to malignant tumors of the lymphatic system. Medical attention should be sought promptly if related symptoms appear.