Leukemia and lymphoma are similar in that they are both blood cancers that can cause many of the same symptoms. However, there are several key differences between the two types of cancer, including where they originate and their risk factors and treatment options. To fully understand the differences, it can be helpful to have some basic information about both leukemia and lymphoma.

What is leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer that most often affects infection-fighting white blood cells. DNA mutations reduce the white blood cells’ functionality and cause them to reproduce too rapidly. The overabundance of leukemic cells builds up in the bloodstream, leaving little room for healthy blood cells and increasing the risk of infection.

leukemia patients speaks with a doctor

Though other, more rare types exist, the four main types of leukemia are:

What is lymphoma?

Lymphomas are cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, and they also primarily affect certain white blood cells (lymphocytes). After undergoing abnormal DNA changes, the lymphocytes replicate very rapidly. The excess cells then build up and crowd out healthy cells, which can impair the function of the immune system. However, unlike leukemia cells, which circulate in the bloodstream and lymphatic system, lymphoma cells can bind together and form tumors.

There are over 70 types of lymphoma, but they generally fall into one of two categories:

Hodgkin lymphoma – This type is less common, with the malignancy typically originating in the lymph nodes in the underarm, chest or neck area and spreading from one group of lymph nodes to another. Hodgkin lymphoma is also distinguished by the presence of large Reed-Sternberg cells, which can be easily identified in a tissue sample when viewed under a microscope.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – Characterized by a lack of Reed-Sternberg cells, non-Hodgkin lymphoma can develop in the same regions of the body as Hodgkin lymphoma or in other areas like the groin or stomach.

Key differences between leukemia vs. lymphoma

Some factors that differentiate leukemia from lymphoma include:

Risk factors

While the exact causes of these blood cancers aren’t known, certain risk factors have been identified for each.

Leukemia risk factors include:

Some genetic conditions, including Down syndrome and certain blood disorders
Human T-lymphotropic virus (HLTV)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Exposure to petrochemicals, like benzene
Alkylating chemotherapy agents, which may be used to treat other types of cancer
Tobacco use

Lymphoma risk factors include:

Age, as some lymphomas are more common in young adults while others more often affect adults over the age of 55
Being male, which slightly increases the chance of developing lymphoma
Having a weakened immune system due to immunosuppressants or immunodeficiencies
Previous infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

Origin

Both leukemia and lymphomas originate in lymphocytes. However, leukemia typically originates in bone marrow and spreads through the bloodstream, while lymphoma usually originates in lymph nodes or the spleen and spreads through the lymphatic system.

Symptoms

Leukemia and lymphoma can produce many similar symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, fevers, frequent infections and weight loss. However, there are some unique symptoms for each type of cancer. Leukemia symptoms can include pale skin, petechiae (red spots on the skin), bone pain and easy bleeding or bruising, while lymphoma symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, coughing, shortness of breath and itchy skin.

Diagnosis

Leukemia is most commonly diagnosed with a complete blood count (CBC) test, and the specific type of leukemia is confirmed with a bone marrow biopsy. A lymphoma diagnosis usually requires a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy, and additional imaging and tests to determine the stage.

Treatment

Both leukemia and lymphoma may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or bone marrow transplants (also called stem cell transplants), though other treatments and therapies may be used as appropriate. Additional leukemia treatments include monoclonal antibody therapy, and lymphoma-specific treatments include immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, photopheresis and phototherapy.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we provide individualized care and treatment for each patient with leukemia or lymphoma. Our multispecialty teams work together to quickly deliver exceptional, cutting-edge treatment to achieve the highest quality of life and the best outcome for every patient.

To consult with one of our blood cancer specialists, call Moffitt Cancer Center at 1-888-663-3488 or fill out our new patient registration form online. No referral is required.

References

Understanding Lymphoma
Leukemia
What Is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?

FAQs

Leukemia vs. Lymphoma