Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

What is Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that works to balance fluids in the body and fight infection. There are many forms of lymphoma — the two main types are categorized as Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that starts in different types of white blood cells, known as lymphocytes. NHL can occur at any age. It is a common cancer in children, teens and young adults, although risk increases with age. More than 50 percent of new NHL cases are diagnosed in adults over age 60.
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What are the signs and symptoms of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Several types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can affect various parts of the body. The early signs of NHL are swelling of lymph nodes. They are not painful and occur most often in the armpits, neck or groin. Other common symptoms may include:

• Persistent, unexplained fever and/or fatigue
• Weight loss and/or decreased appetite
• Feeling full and/or abdominal pain or swelling
• Shortness of breath and a persistent cough
• Drenching night sweats
• Itchy skin

Many of these symptoms can occur with other more common illness. Regardless, it is important to contact your health care provider if you experience any of these for a prolonged period.

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How is Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed?

Diagnosing lymphoma begins with a physical examination so that your doctor can evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing. This exam will include an assessment of the abdomen and lymph nodes to determine whether there is swelling. Additional information to confirm a diagnosis is most often obtained through a biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes. The tissues are sent to a laboratory for review by a pathologist to confirm the presence of cancer cells. If a diagnosis is confirmed, blood tests or imaging scans will help to identify the exact location and extent of the lymphoma. This additional testing is needed to help your care team begin planning for your personalized treatment. At FCS, our central pathology lab performs flow cytometry analysis and histology morphologic analysis of peripheral blood, bone marrow and tissue samples to help in diagnosing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
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What causes Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

The exact causes of lymphomas are not well known. Researchers suspect that exposure to certain chemicals, such as weed and pest killers, or benzene, found in gasoline or occurring naturally in forest fires, increases risk. People with auto-immune disorders or who have received radiation or chemotherapy treatment for other cancers appear to be among those more commonly diagnosed. In the U.S., white people develop NHL more often than Black or Asian Americans, and the risk is slightly higher for men.
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Is Non-Hodgkin lymphoma genetic?

Lymphoma is not inherited or passed from parent to child. However, if an immediate family member has had lymphoma or another blood cancer, you may be at higher risk. People with a past diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma may later develop Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, although the reasons are not clear. Talk with your doctor for more information.
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Is Non-Hodgkin lymphoma curable?

Many factors impact treatment success. With the rapid development of new treatments, the survival rate for people diagnosed with NHL continues to improve. When found early, many forms of NHL are highly curable. treatment Hodgkin lymphoma is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer. Approximately 74 percent of patients become long-term survivors. Advanced stages of NHL have lower rates of treatment success.
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How is Non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated at FCS?

Each patient and each cancer are unique. At FCS, physicians develop a personalized treatment plan in partnership with patients. Considerations include the stage and extent of the cancer. Hematology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the study and treatment of blood-related diseases, including lymphoma. The majority of FCS physicians are board-certified in hematology and medical oncology. This expertise enables them to provide holistic care to patients, using the most advanced treatment options available. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or a combination of these, are common treatments for NHL. Increasingly, at FCS, treatments may include immunotherapies, which help boost the body’s ability to fight or destroy cancerous cells. Through our extensive clinical trials research program, we offer our patients access to the most advanced treatment options available.
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Is there a screening test for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

There is no test currently available to screen for NHL, although researchers continue their work. If you experience signs or symptoms, it is important to notify your physician.
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Is lymphoma a blood cancer?

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer. It develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system that works to balance fluids in the body and fight infection. There are many types of lymphoma that are categorized as Hodgkin lymphoma or Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Each type of blood cancer has specific differences.
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What blood tests indicate lymphoma?

Although blood tests do not signal lymphoma is present, blood tests help to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma by measuring distinct types of cells and proteins in the blood.
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