What is the difference between myeloma and lymphoma?
Myeloma and lymphoma are both blood cancers, but they originate from different cell types. Multiple myeloma arises from plasma cells in the bone marrow, while lymphoma develops from lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the lymphatic system. Their symptoms, diagnostic pathways, and treatments differ significantly. S.L. Raheja Hospital in Mumbai offers specialised haematology services for both conditions.
Tip: Both myeloma and lymphoma are treatable conditions. Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes — consult a haematologist if you notice persistent symptoms.
| Feature | Multiple Myeloma | Lymphoma |
|---|---|---|
| Cell of origin | Plasma cells | Lymphocytes (B or T cells) |
| Primary location | Bone marrow | Lymph nodes, spleen, lymphatic system |
| Main subtypes | Multiple myeloma, smouldering myeloma | Hodgkin lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma |
| Key diagnostic marker | M-protein in blood or urine | Enlarged lymph nodes, biopsy |
| Bone involvement | Common (bone lesions, fractures) | Less common |
What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma and lymphoma?
The symptoms of multiple myeloma and lymphoma overlap in some areas but differ in key ways. Recognising these differences helps guide timely medical evaluation.
Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
- Persistent bone pain
What are the different types of lymphoma and myeloma?
Both conditions encompass distinct subtypes, each with different clinical behaviour and treatment approaches.
Types of Lymphoma
- Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Characterised by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Generally considered more responsive to treatment.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A broader category with over 60 subtypes, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and T-cell lymphomas.
Types of Myeloma
- Multiple Myeloma: The most common form, involving multiple sites in the bone marrow.
- Smouldering Multiple Myeloma: An asymptomatic precursor stage that requires monitoring but not immediate treatment.
- Solitary Plasmacytoma: A single tumour of plasma cells, either in bone or soft tissue.
Multiple myeloma is not a type of lymphoma. Although both are blood cancers, they arise from different cell lineages and are classified separately in haematological oncology.
How is multiple myeloma diagnosed and how does it differ from lymphoma diagnosis?
Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of blood tests, imaging, and tissue analysis. The diagnostic pathway differs between the two conditions.
Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma
- Blood tests: Full blood count, serum protein electrophoresis (to detect M-protein), serum free light chains, kidney and calcium levels
- Urine tests: Bence Jones protein detection
- Bone marrow biopsy: To confirm plasma cell percentage
- Imaging: Whole-body low-dose CT, MRI, or PET-CT to assess bone lesions
Diagnosing Lymphoma
- Physical examination: Assessment of lymph node enlargement
- Blood tests: Full blood count, LDH levels, ESR
- Lymph node biopsy: The definitive diagnostic step — identifies the lymphoma subtype
- Imaging: CT, PET-CT, or MRI to stage the disease
- Bone marrow biopsy: To determine if lymphoma has spread to the marrow
Both conditions are managed by haematology specialists who coordinate the full diagnostic workup and treatment plan.
How are myeloma and lymphoma treated, and what role does bone marrow transplant play?
Treatment for both conditions has advanced considerably. The choice of therapy depends on the subtype, stage, patient age, and overall health.
Treatment for Multiple Myeloma
- Induction chemotherapy (commonly bortezomib-based regimens)
- Immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., lenalidomide, thalidomide)
- Targeted therapy and monoclonal antibodies (e.g., daratumumab)
- Autologous stem cell (bone marrow) transplant — a standard consolidation approach in eligible patients
- Maintenance therapy post-transplant
- Radiation therapy for localised bone lesions
Treatment for Lymphoma
- Chemotherapy (e.g., CHOP, ABVD regimens depending on subtype)
- Immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies (e.g., rituximab for B-cell lymphomas)
- Radiation therapy, particularly for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma
- Autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplant for relapsed or refractory cases
- CAR-T cell therapy in select cases
Tip: Remission in myeloma means the level of abnormal protein in the blood has fallen significantly and symptoms have reduced. It does not always mean the cancer is fully eliminated, and ongoing monitoring is essential.
For patients with blood cancers requiring surgical or systemic oncology input alongside haematology, medical oncology and surgical oncology teams may collaborate in a multidisciplinary approach.
When should you see a haematologist for myeloma or lymphoma symptoms?
Seek a haematology consultation promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Painless lymph node swelling lasting more than 2 weeks
- Unexplained bone pain, particularly in the back or ribs, persisting beyond 2–3 weeks
- Fever, night sweats, and weight loss occurring together for more than 2 weeks
- Recurrent infections without a clear cause
- Persistent fatigue not explained by lifestyle factors
- Abnormal blood test results flagged by a general physician (e.g., elevated calcium, low haemoglobin, abnormal protein levels)
- Kidney function decline without a prior kidney condition
Warning: Sudden back pain with leg weakness or loss of bladder/bowel control in a known myeloma patient may indicate spinal cord compression — seek emergency medical attention immediately.
How does S.L. Raheja Hospital in Mumbai support patients with myeloma or lymphoma?
S.L. Raheja Hospital in Mumbai, located at Mahim West, provides structured haematology care for patients with blood cancers including multiple myeloma and lymphoma. The hospital's haematology team works alongside oncology specialists to deliver diagnosis, staging, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplant services under one roof.
Patients benefit from a coordinated care pathway that includes:
- Specialist haematology consultation and workup
- Bone marrow biopsy and advanced blood cancer diagnostics
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy administration
- Bone marrow transplant programme for eligible myeloma and lymphoma patients
- Multidisciplinary tumour board review for complex cases
- Ongoing monitoring and remission management
Book a consultation at S.L. Raheja Hospital
Use the booking form on this page, or reach out directly at info@rahejahospital.com