What is the Difference Between Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia?

The main difference between non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia is the part of the body where they originate: leukemia typically originates in bone marrow and affects the bloodstream, while non-Hodgkin's lymphoma usually originates in lymph nodes or the spleen and affects the lymphatic system. Both cancers originate in lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell.

Key differences between leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include:

Origin: Leukemia occurs in bone marrow, while non-Hodgkin's lymphoma originates in lymph nodes or the spleen.
Spread: Leukemia spreads through the bloodstream, while non-Hodgkin's lymphoma spreads through the lymphatic system.
Diagnosis: A lymphoma diagnosis usually requires a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy, while leukemia is diagnosed with a bone marrow biopsy.
Treatment: Both leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transplants, although other treatments and therapies may be used as appropriate.
Age: Leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer in children, while non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more commonly diagnosed in adults.

In summary, the primary difference between non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia is the location where they originate and their respective routes of spread throughout the body. The two diseases also have distinct diagnostic and treatment approaches.

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What is the Difference Between Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia?

Comparative Table: Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma vs Leukemia

Here is a table comparing the differences between non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia:

Feature	Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma	Leukemia
Origin	Lymphatic system and mainly targets lymph nodes and lymph tissue	Bone marrow, affecting the bloodstream
Type of cancer	Lymphoma	Leukemia
Affected Cells	Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell	Mutated white blood cells called lymphocytes
Main Types	Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma	Lymphoid leukemia (e.g., acute lymphocytic leukemia) and myeloid leukemia (e.g., acute myelogenous leukemia)
Subtypes	Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (30%), Mantle cell lymphoma (3%), Follicular lymphoma (20%)	Acute and chronic leukemia
Symptoms	Enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, general feeling of being unwell, symptoms in the lung, liver, kidney, and bone marrow as the disease progresses	Weakness, fatigue, paleness, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and excessive sweating, especially at night
Age of Onset	More commonly diagnosed in adults, but can also develop in children	Most common type of blood cancer in children, also diagnosed in adults

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma originates in the lymphatic system and mainly affects the lymph nodes, while leukemia starts in the bone marrow and affects the blood and bone marrow. They are both forms of blood cancer but have different origins, types, and subtypes.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.