What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma? Know more about the cancer that Barclays CEO has been diagnosed with

C.S Venkatakrishnan, the Chief Executive of British bank Barclays, has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a type of cancer. However, the banker will continue his duties while under treatment, stated a spokesperson from the bank. The 56-year-old executive revealed that he will be undergoing treatment for 12 to 16 weeks at New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He also said that the doctors have deemed his prognosis to be “excellent”.

"The good news is that the matter has been detected early, with scans and biopsies confirming it to be very localised," he wrote on social media. However, he also added that he would work remotely at times and not be able to travel.

What Is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma or NHL is a type of blood cancer that starts in the white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are an important part of the immune system of the body. Lymphomas can grow in any part of the body where lymph tissue is found such as lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and digestive tracts such as the stomach and intestines.


The Cancer Society divided NHL into two distinct categories-

Indolent Lymphomas:

These are lymphomas that multiply and spread at a slower speed. However, patients diagnosed with indolent lymphomas still need to be kept under strict medical observation.

Aggressive Lymphomas:

These lymphomas need to be treated right away. Diffuse large B Cell lymphoma (DBCL) is one such type.

How Common Is NHL In India?

According to the National Library Of Medicine, NHL is a relatively common hematological malignancy in India. About 2900 men (out of 100,000 ) and 1500 women (out of 100,000) suffer from this cancer. Typically men, over the age of 60 are at risk of incurring this cancer.

What Are Some Common Symptoms?

• Swollen lymph nodes: Do you have painless swelling under your armpits, neck, or groin?
• Stomach or abdominal pain. Doubtless, to say if stomach pain or discomfort persists for more than a week, contact your doctor.
• Chest pain: Chest pain may occur due to the existence of lymph nodes inside your chest.
• Cough: Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that are lodged in your thymus gland (that’s located in your chest) or blocked lymph vessels, may cause fluid concentration in your lungs, thereby making you cough.
• Constant fevers and weakness: Fevers are a sign that your body is fighting an infection. If the fever persists even after medication, take it as a warning signal.
• Night sweats: If you are sweating profusely during the night, it may be a sign that all is not well.
• Excessive weight loss: If you have been losing weight rapidly without any reason, don’t delay that trip to the doctor.

How Is NHL Diagnosed?

• Blood tests such as CBC (complete blood count) and Lactate dehydrogenase levels may be prescribed.
• Your healthcare provider may suggest a computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) scan. These scans are conducted to detect tissues that may be cancerous. Some may request an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to see details inside your body.
• Ultrasound: High-energy sound waves are bounced off your internal tissues and form an echo. These echoes form a sonogram or picture of your body tissues.
• Biopsy : Doctors may remove part or all of your lymph node to investigate if it is cancerous.

How Is NHL Treated?

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy target cancer cells throughout your body and destroy them.
  Immunotherapy: Also known as biotherapy, this treatment improves the immune system of your body.
• Radiotherapy: This includes subjecting your body to radio-active rays, to weaken cancerous cells.

How To Reduce Risk Of Incurring NHL?

You need to be more observant and go for regular medical check-ups if:

• You are 60 and older.
• Are male.
• Have underlying health complications such as rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Have been diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection. This infection causes ulcers frequently.
• Have undergone organ transplants such as heart, liver, kidney, and lung before.