Overview
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, cells in the blood that help fight infection. These cells are found in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and thymus. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's, which is more common.
Each year about 75,000 people are diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 8,500 are diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma nationwide. When the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is often successful in attaining a cure.
The Patricia Lynch Cancer Center at Holy Name has a multi-disciplinary team of experienced and skilled medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses and support staff to treat lymphoma. They provide a compassionate, unified approach in creating a personal strategy for each patient's unique medical, emotional and lifestyle needs.
Easy bruising
Fever and night sweats
Fatigue
Headaches
Difficulty breathing
Swollen lymph nodes
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Family history of lymphoma
Exposure to certain chemicals - particularly benzenes and Agent Orange
Smoking
History of mononucleosis
Prior chemotherapy or radiation
Immunodeficiency
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Physical exam
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Blood tests
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Bone marrow biopsy
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Lymph node biopsy
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CT scan
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MRI
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PET scan
Some types of lymphoma are very slow growing and can just be watched, without any treatment. For other cases, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiation are often used. Rarely, a bone marrow transplant may be needed.
