Hrithik Roshan’s sister Sunaina reveals she was diagnosed with ‘one of the rarest cancers’; ‘Doc, will my hair fall?’

Sunaina Roshan, sister of Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, has revealed that she was diagnosed with lymphoma of the cervix, a rare and lesser-known form of cancer. 

In an interview posted on HER Health Talks channel, she revealed that while she was working with her father as a co-producer on a project she noticed blood clots during her period. After speaking about this to her mother, she went to get it checked by a doctor. 

When she informed her mother about the cancer diagnosis, she dismissed it outright, Sunaina recounted. She then explained that in that moment, she made a firm decision to remain strong for her family and overcome the challenges ahead.

She said that she was diagnosed with lymphoma of the cervix, which is “one of the rarest cancers in the world.” Roshan admitted that she hit an emotional low when she experienced hair loss because of the treatment. “Whenever we entered the ICU, I would only ask one question: ‘Doc, will my hair fall?’ He must’ve gotten tired of my questions,” she said.

While cervical cancer is widely discussed, lymphoma of the cervix is far less common and often misunderstood, making awareness and education about its signs and symptoms crucial for early detection and treatment.

What distinguishes lymphoma of the cervix from other more common types of cervical cancer?

Dr Gaana Srinivas, senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bone and Birth Clinic, says, “Lymphoma of the cervix is a rare type of cancer that differs significantly from the more common cervical cancers, which are usually categorised as squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. These common types arise from the epithelial cells lining the cervix, whereas lymphoma originates from the lymphoid tissues, specifically the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell.”

What makes lymphoma of the cervix unique is that it’s part of a broader category of cancers known as extranodal lymphomas — cancers that occur outside of the lymph nodes, she says. “This is rare because lymphomas typically develop in lymphatic tissues like lymph nodes, spleen, or thymus, not in organs like the cervix. The cervix is not a usual site for lymphoid tissue, which is why cervical lymphomas are considered highly uncommon.”

Dr Srinivas adds that another distinguishing factor is the absence of the usual risk factors associated with common cervical cancers, such as HPV infection, smoking, or a history of multiple sexual partners. “Lymphoma of the cervix does not share these typical associations, which makes its occurrence unexpected and often challenging to diagnose early on.”

Diagnosing lymphoma of the cervix often requires a combination of imaging, biopsy, and pathological evaluation, due to its rarity and the nonspecific nature of its symptoms (Source: Freepik)

Early signs and symptoms

“Early signs and symptoms of lymphoma of the cervix can be subtle and are often mistaken for other gynaecological conditions, which can delay diagnosis,” stresses Dr Srinivas. However, there are some key symptoms that individuals should be aware of:

– Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: This can include bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or post-menopausal bleeding. Persistent or unusual patterns should always be investigated further.

– Pelvic Pain or Pressure: Individuals may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvic region, which might be mistaken for menstrual pain or related to other conditions like fibroids or ovarian cysts.

– Unusual Vaginal Discharge: Some people with cervical lymphoma may notice an unusual discharge that could be watery, mixed with blood, or have a different odour. 

– Symptoms of Lymphoma: Unlike common cervical cancers, lymphoma might also present with systemic symptoms typical of lymphomas, such as unexplained fever, night sweats, and unintended weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing lymphoma of the cervix often requires a combination of imaging, biopsy, and pathological evaluation, due to its rarity and the nonspecific nature of its symptoms:

Pelvic Examination and Imaging: Initial suspicion might arise from a routine pelvic examination if the cervix appears abnormal. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans can help assess the extent of the disease and its impact on surrounding tissues.

Biopsy and Histopathological Analysis: A biopsy of the cervical tissue is essential for diagnosis. Pathologists will examine the tissue under a microscope to identify the presence of lymphoid cells and determine the specific type of lymphoma.

Staging: Determining the stage of the cancer, which involves assessing how far it has spread, is done through additional imaging and possibly a bone marrow biopsy. Staging helps to tailor the treatment plan.

Treatment options

Dr Srinivasas says, “The mainstay of treatment for cervical lymphoma is chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cancer cells. The specific regimen depends on the type and stage of lymphoma. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, especially if the lymphoma is localised.”

Advances in cancer treatment have introduced targeted therapies and immunotherapies that specifically attack lymphoma cells or help the immune system to better recognise and fight the cancer. 

For aggressive or relapsed cases, she says, a stem cell transplant may be considered. This involves high-dose chemotherapy followed by a transplant of healthy stem cells to help rebuild the patient’s bone marrow.

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