Pulmonary lymphoma is characterized by the proliferation of lymphocytes in the lung. This can be primary or secondary. What are the causes ? Symptoms ? Can we cure it?
Definition: what is a pulmonary lymphoma?
Pulmonary lymphoma is a form of cancer localized to the lung. In its classic form, pulmonary lymphoma is an overgrowth lymphocyte cancerand can develop in the lung, or invade the lung in a more disseminated lymphoma.
What is secondary pulmonary lymphoma?
“A lymphoma is a lymph node cancer that can reach the lungs, either isolated or disseminated with involvement of the lung but also of the lymph nodes of the spleen, liver or other organs. It is in this specific case that we are talking regarding disseminated lymphoma (the term secondary pulmonary lymphoma being obsolete) with multiple involvement of different organs by migration of lymphocytes in several organs including the lung“, explains Professor Catherine Thieblemont, hemato-oncologist.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary lymphoma?
Most often, lymphoma is asymptomatic. The cancer progresses silently, without the person realizing it. In other cases, it can manifest as:
- the appearance of a difficulty breathing (dyspnea);
- the presence of a cough ;
- of the chest pain ;
Signs suggestive of lymphoma from another organ may be present, such as increase in the size of the spleen, liver or lymph nodes.
What are the possible causes of pulmonary lymphoma?
“Unlike lung cancer, which may be caused by smoking, the etiology of pulmonary lymphoma remains unknown to date“, indicates the hemato-oncologist.
What is the difference between lung cancer and lymphoma?
“Lung cancer arises from the cancerization of a lung cell (bronchi, parenchyma) while a pulmonary lymphoma results from the cancerous transformation of a white blood cell (lymphocyte) which is normally found in a lymph node. THE lymphocytes are immune cells which will go from one node to another node through the lymphatic vessels, but can infiltrate an organ such as the lung. It will nestle in the lungs and turn into cancer of the lymphocyte: lymphoma“informs the specialist.
After a clinical examination, additional examinations are performed: a lung scan and a PET scan are realized. The diagnosis will be confirmed by a biopsy, a removal of cellsusually during a scanner or a bronchial fibroscopy which, via a mini camera and a fiberscope introduced through the mouth, will make it possible to determine the type of tumor in question.
Can pulmonary lymphoma be cured?
We never speak of a cure in a lymphoma because, even if we obtain a complete remission, the risk of relapse exists. “When the lymphoma is localized, it is possible to make excision of the nodule or radiotherapy. When the lymphoma is disseminated within the lung parenchyma, and depending on the type of lymphoma, a immunochimiothérapie can be offered. The protocol varies depending on whether it is an aggressive or indolent lymphoma“, explains Professor Catherine Thieblemont.
“If it is an indolent lymphoma, the life expectancy can be excellent”
With what treatment?
The treatment will depend on the type of lymphoma found, and whether it is primitive, developed from the start in the lungs, or disseminated by migration of cells from another affected organ to the lung. Depending on the case, multi-drug chemotherapy and radiation therapy will be practiced, alone or in combination.
What is the life expectancy in case of pulmonary lymphoma?
Life expectancy is very different depending on the subtype of lymphoma, and whether it is single or disseminated in the lungs. “If it is a indolent lymphoma, life expectancy can be excellent, identical to that of a person without lymphoma. In the presence of a aggressive lymphoma that responds well to treatment, life expectancy can be very good but in case of aggressive lymphoma presenting refractory to chemotherapy or immunochemotherapy, life expectancy may be reduced“, develops the expert.
Thanks to Professor Catherine Thieblemont, head of the hemato-oncology department at Saint-Louis Hospital.
