Lymphoma

Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, an important part of the body’s immune system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow, which help the body fight infections and filter harmful substances.

Lymphoma occurs when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) multiply uncontrollably, forming tumours in the lymph nodes or spreading to other parts of the body such as the chest, abdomen, or bone marrow.

How common is lymphoma in the Philippines?

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The two main types are non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). 

According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022) Philippines fact sheet: 

  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) had an estimated 4,989 new cases in 2022 (ranked 11th among all cancers) and 2,876 deaths (ranked 11th among cancer deaths).
  • Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is less common, with an estimated 602 new cases in 2022 and 175 deaths.  

Together, these figures mean thousands of Filipinos are diagnosed with lymphoma each year, underscoring the importance of early evaluation and timely treatment. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma?

Lymphoma symptoms can be vague and sometimes mimic other conditions. Common signs include:

If symptoms do not resolve, medical evaluation is crucial.

How is Lymphoma Diagnosed?

A thorough diagnosis ensures the right treatment plan. Investigations may include:

  • Physical examination for enlarged lymph nodes or organs
  • Blood tests to check blood counts and organ function
  • Lymph node or tissue biopsy (gold standard) to confirm lymphoma type
  • Imaging tests such as CT, PET-CT, or MRI scans to determine disease spread
  • Bone marrow biopsy in selected cases

A precise diagnosis is essential to differentiate between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types, and between aggressive or indolent subtypes.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Lymphoma?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but risk factors include:

Not all patients with risk factors develop lymphoma. Many are diagnosed without any known risks.

What Are the Types of Lymphoma?

Lymphomas are broadly divided into:

Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)

Characterised by Reed-Sternberg cells. Often occurs in young adults, and outcomes are generally good with modern treatment

Includes many subtypes. The two main groups are:

  • Indolent (slow-growing) NHL – e.g., follicular lymphoma. May not require immediate treatment if asymptomatic but needs close monitoring
  • Aggressive (fast-growing) NHL – e.g., diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma. These require prompt treatment but can respond well to therapy

What Are the Stages of Lymphoma?

Staging describes how far the cancer has spread:

Stage I

One lymph node region or single organ affected

Two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm

Nodes on both sides of the diaphragm are involved

Widespread disease involving bone marrow, liver, lungs, or other organs

B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss) may also be used to further classify the stage.

What Are the Treatments for Lymphoma?

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and aggressiveness of the lymphoma. Options include: 

Targeted Therapy

Such as monoclonal antibodies (e.g., rituximab) that attack specific lymphoma cells.

Immunotherapy

CAR-T cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors are modern advances available in some settings.

Radiotherapy

Often used in early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma or for localised disease.

Stem Cell Transplantation

Considered in relapsed or high-risk patients.

Watchful Waiting

For indolent lymphomas without symptoms, careful monitoring may be recommended until treatment is necessary.

With advances in treatment, many patients with lymphoma in Philippines can achieve long-term remission, and some can be cured.

Advances in Lymphoma Treatment

How common is lymphoma in the Philippines?

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The two main types are non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). 

According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022) Philippines fact sheet: 

  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) had an estimated 4,989 new cases in 2022 (ranked 11th among all cancers) and 2,876 deaths (ranked 11th among cancer deaths).
  • Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is less common, with an estimated 602 new cases in 2022 and 175 deaths.  

Together, these figures mean thousands of Filipinos are diagnosed with lymphoma each year, underscoring the importance of early evaluation and timely treatment. 

Meet Our Doctors

At OncoCare Philippines, our multidisciplinary team brings together oncologists, haematologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and specialised oncology nurses. Supported by allied health professionals in nutrition, physiotherapy, and psycho-oncology, we deliver comprehensive, personalised care for every lymphoma patient.

Dr. Angelo Miguel M. Realina
Palliative Care Specialist | Interventional Pain Management Specialist
Dr. Arthur Jason S. Go
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Beverly Ann P. Pineda
Medical Oncologist 
Dr. Carlo Ruperto P. Aguilar
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Carlos Joseph T. Panaligan Jr.
Consultant Anesthesiologist
Dr. Claudine Yvette S. Gulapa
Anesthesiologist
Dr. Gonzalo C. Banuelos, Jr.
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Jason King D. Talao
Medical Oncologist 
Dr. Jerickson Abbie S. Flores
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Joel R. Tayo
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Jose Enrique Y. Montoya
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Karl Jeremy B. Lo
Radiation Oncologist
Dra. Kristine Anne B. Monte
Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Marwin M. Manalo
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Misael C. Cruz
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Noel S. Chua
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Paulo S. Tioleco
Medical Oncologist
Dra. Rosalina P. Tongol
Internal Medicine