How do lupus and lymphoma differ?

They are really two completely different entities. Lupus is an auto-immune disorder which essentially means that a person’s body loses the ability to discriminate between “self” and “non-self”. read more

Specifically, lupus patients may experience an elevated risk of lymphoma and other cancers, such as cancer of the cervix. Researchers have elucidated certain connections between lupus and cancer. For example, it is widely accepted that immunosuppressive medications, such as azathioprine (Imuran) and mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) contribute to elevated cancer risk. read more

It sounds like your doctor is being appropriately cautious. I just wanted to mention that it's not uncommon for enlarged lymph nodes to be associated with sjogren's syndrome as well as lupus and lymphoma. I was recently dx with sjogren's, and my doctors, and dentist, routinely check my lymph nodes for enlargement. read more

Studies show an increased risk of both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in lupus patients. It is believed that the elevated risk of lymphoma results from the disease process of lupus—specifically the overstimulation of B-cells coupled with defects in the immune system’s surveillance system—and not just from medications or other associated risk factors. read more