Comparison of Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma: Key Differences
Multiple Myeloma (MM) and Lymphoma are two types of cancer affecting the immune system. MM is a cancer of plasma cells present in the bone marrow, while Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells.
Symptoms
Multiple Myeloma commonly presents with symptoms such as bone pain (affecting about 70% of patients), fatigue due to anemia, kidney dysfunction, hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), and neurological symptoms like weakness, confusion, or peripheral neuropathy. Other symptoms can include mouth problems like jaw swelling and tooth mobility due to bone involvement.
Lymphoma symptoms depend on the type (Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma) but commonly include painless swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and sometimes itching or abdominal discomfort.
Treatment Options
Multiple Myeloma
Modern treatment involves chemotherapy, often combined with targeted therapies and immunotherapies such as monoclonal antibodies (e.g., daratumumab) and newer agents targeting specific plasma cell markers. Supportive care includes blood transfusions, bone protection (e.g., denosumab), and management of symptoms like anemia or infections. Early treatment approaches for smoldering multiple myeloma now consider immune-boosting drugs (like lenalidomide), monoclonal antibodies, and combination regimens to delay progression. Advanced therapies such as CAR T-cell therapy are emerging options for relapsed or refractory cases.
Lymphoma
Standard treatments for Lymphoma generally include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies like rituximab for B-cell lymphomas), immunotherapy, and, in some cases, stem cell transplant. Treatment options for lymphoma differ based on subtype and stage, but the main goal is to achieve remission and manage symptoms.
Survival Rates
The average 5-year relative survival rate for a person with MM is not specified. However, it's important to note that advancements in treatment have led to improved outcomes for many patients.
The 5-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not specified. The average survival time for lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is approximately 10 years, with around 40% of people surviving for 10 years or more. The average survival time after a diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma ranges from years, depending on how aggressive the cancer is.
Risks and Prognosis
People with MM have an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia. Individuals with Hodgkin's lymphoma can have any type of second cancer, but they are at an increased risk of certain cancers associated with treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, including leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Risk factors for lymphoma include being male, certain viral or bacterial infections, being in one's 20s or over the age of 55 years, having a weakened immune system, having an autoimmune condition, family history of lymphoma, obesity, and radiation exposure.
A relative survival rate gives an idea of how long a person with a particular condition will live after receiving a diagnosis compared with those without the condition.
Conclusion
Both Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma in adults present with systemic symptoms such as fatigue and localized signs depending on disease involvement. Treatment for Multiple Myeloma focuses heavily on chemotherapy, targeted, and immune-based therapies tailored to disease stage, while Lymphoma treatments are varied based on subtype but commonly include chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Advancements in treatment have led to improved outcomes for many patients, and it's essential to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider.
- Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, similar to Multiple Myeloma, are types of cancer that affect the immune system.
- In addition to bone pain and fatigue, multiple myeloma also presents symptoms related to high calcium levels, kidney dysfunction, neurological symptoms, and mouth problems.
- Scientific advancements have resulted in improved treatment options for both multiple myeloma and lymphoma, increasing the chances of remission and better health-and-wellness outcomes.
- Risk factors for multiple myeloma and lymphoma include various factors such as gender, age, immunodeficiencies, family history, obesity, and radiation exposure.
