Difference Between Leukemia and Lymphoma

Leukemia vs Lymphoma

Leukemia and lymphoma are malignancies (cancers). Leukemia is a cancer that occurs in white blood cell precursors. It can be acute cancer (acute leukemia) or chronic cancer. Based on the cell type they arise it can be divided in to myeloid leukemia or lymphoblastic leukemia. Altogether there are four main types of leukemias commonly identified in the human. Acute myeloid leukemia, Chronic myeloid leukemia, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia.

Blood cells are formed in bone marrow. The white blood cells and the red blood cells are formed there. They are formed from the bone marrow stem cells. There are special cell lines to form myeloid cells and lymphoid cells. When the cells divide with out a control it is defined as cancer (blood cancer). The treatment may be chemo theraphy or bone marrow transplantation.

Lymphoma is a cancer with lymphoid tissue. Mainly there are two types of lymphoma. Hodgkins lymphoma and non Hodgkinns lymphoma are commonly occurring lymphomas. Lymphocyte may be B or T in type. Lymphomas may present as enlarged lymph nodes. The biopsy will help to differentiate the type of lymphoma. Radio therapy and chemo therapy are the mode of treatment. Lymphoma can occur in childhood.

Summary

• Leukemia and lymphoma are cancers.

• Leukemia occurs in bone marrow. Marrow biopsy and blood film will help to diagnose.

• Leukemia may be treated with marrow transplantation.

• Lymphoma may be present as enlarged lymph node.Lymph node biopsy will help to diagnose it.