Understanding Colorectal Lymphoma or Primary Lymphoma of the Colon

Colorectal lymphoma is a rare type of colorectal cancer. Older adults have a higher risk for this type of cancer. The most common type of colorectal lymphoma is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Colorectal lymphoma is uncommon. It accounts for about 1.2% of the total cases of colorectal cancer. According to the SEER cancer tracking registries, an estimated 3.5 people per 1,000,000 were diagnosed with colorectal lymphoma in 2014.

Lymphomas are cancers that start in the lymphatic system. Colorectal lymphomas can develop in your colon or rectum. They occur more frequently in people assigned male at birth.

This article takes a closer look at the symptoms, causes, treatment, and outlook for people with colorectal lymphoma.

Colorectal lymphoma is a type of gastrointestinal tract cancer. It typically develops in your colon or rectum. For this reason, doctors often refer to colorectal lymphoma as “primary lymphoma of the colon.”

Colorectal lymphoma is more common in older adults and in people assigned male at birth.

The most common variety of primary lymphoma of the colon is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It involves the stomach and small bowel more frequently than the large intestine.

Is colorectal lymphoma the same as colorectal cancer?

Colorectal lymphoma is a form of colorectal cancer. However, there are differences between the two. For instance, colorectal lymphomas and colorectal cancer have certain overlapping and certain distinct symptoms. Fevers and night sweats can occur in colorectal lymphoma, but they’re very uncommon in colorectal cancer.

Also, the chemotherapy drugs used for colorectal lymphomas are different than those for colorectal cancers, as each type of cancer is sensitive to different treatments.

In addition, subtypes of colorectal lymphomas can vary. For example, diffuse large B cell lymphomas are more aggressive than slower growing types of colorectal lymphomas, such as follicular lymphoma or colorectal cancers.