Lymphoma is often misdiagnosed as an infection: says medical expert on occasion of World Lymphoma Awareness Day

WHO has identified 61 different forms of Lymphoma-a type of blood cancer affecting lymphatic cells of the immune system. Several of these exhibit the same symptoms as HIV.

• Incidence and mortality rates for Non- Hodgkin's lymphoma are consistently higher in people aged 65 and over, with the number of cases being expected to rise upto 231,730 in 2015 from 210,755 in 2010- Globocan report 2011
• Due to lack of proper cancer registry system in UAE, there is no record of the number of lymphoma cases detected every year
• It is very important to accurately identify the symptoms and correctly diagnose the type of cancer for controlling the spread of the disease

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 12, 2013: Non- Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer which affects the lymphatic system of the human body can often exhibit the same symptoms as a severe infection like painless swelling in a gland in the neck, armpit or groin along with fever, cough, weight loss and rashes. This often leads to misdiagnosis and accurate treatment being delayed for patients, often leading to the progression of the disease beyond a recoverable stage. On occasion of World Lymphoma Awareness Day, Dr. Maroun El Khoury- Consultant Oncologist/ Hematologist at American Hospital shares his thoughts on the importance of creating awareness on lymphoma.

“We receive few cases where the patient has undergone misdiagnosis in the initial stages. This is due to lack of awareness on lymphoma in this region and mistaking it with other diseases. It is very important for people to be aware of the symptoms, to be able to accurately identify them and start with accurate treatment path,” says Dr. Maroun El Khoury.

The exact cause of lymphoma is still unknown. However, research suggests that the disease can be triggered by genetic factors, impaired immune system and viruses such as HIV or EBV. The disease can progress in stages, with stage I affecting single area or region and stage IV affecting organs or bone marrow or skin.  

“Treatment of lymphoma depends on the type, stage of lymphoma, age and overall health of the patient. Depending on whether the lymphoma is indolent or aggressive we recommend treatment paths like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant or medication that enhances the immune system's ability to fight cancer,” shares Dr. El Khoury.

Lymphoma is usually of two types- Non- Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma which affects the lymphatic system which is a network of organs (bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes, tonsils, appendix), tissues and ducts which distributes white blood cells through the body, which in turn protects it from bacterial and viral infections. Although there are no tests for early detection of non- Hodgkin's lymphoma, persistent symptoms requires thorough medical examination.

About Dr. Maroun El KhouryDr. Maroun El Khoury is the Consultant Oncologist / Hematologist at The American Hospital in Dubai. He has been with American Hospital since September 1, 2010.
Dr. Maroun El Khoury completed his basic medical training from Saint Joseph University School of Medicine Beirut, Lebanon in 1999.  He completed his US Board Certification in Internal Medicine (2003) and both Oncology & Hematology in 2006. 
Prior to joining American Hospital, Dr. El Khoury was working as an Attending Physician Hematology/Oncology at the Great River Hematology and Oncology Iowa USA.  He has also served as Medical Director & Chief of Medicine at the same place and co-directed the hospice and palliative care program. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology and American Academy of Pain Management.