What is Lymphoma?

Overview

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that affects over 544,000 people in the United States. In this year alone, an additional 70,000 people will be diagnosed with lymphoma while over 20,000 people will lose their battle with this cancer.

Lymphoma is categorized in two different forms; Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymphoid tissue; such tissue makes up the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system. The preceding information about lymphoma is from the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Treatments

The following treatments are derived from the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Treatments are specified below and also located at Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Treatments.

A staging evaluation is necessary to determine the treatment plan.

• Stage I indicates one lymph node region is involved (for example, the right neck).
• Stage II indicates involvement of 2 lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm (for example, both sides of the neck).
• Stage III indicates lymph node involvement on both sides of the diaphragm (for example, groin and armpit).
• Stage IV involves the spread of cancer outside the lymph nodes (for example, to bone marrow, lungs, or liver).

Treatment varies with the stage of the disease. Stages I and II (limited disease) can be treated with localized radiation therapy, with chemotherapy or with a combination of both. Stages III and IV (extensive disease) are treated with chemotherapy alone or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The best treatment for an individual patient depends on many factors, and should be discussed in detail with a doctor who has experience treating this disease.

Chemotherapy can cause low blood cell counts, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, infection, and anemia. To minimize bleeding, apply ice and pressure to any external bleeding. A soft toothbrush and electric razor should be used for personal hygiene.

Infection should always be taken seriously during cancer treatment, so contact your doctor immediately if fever or other signs of infection develop. Planning daily activities with scheduled rest periods may help prevent fatigue associated with anemia.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Treatments are specified below and also located at Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Treatments.

Treatment depends on how quickly the cancer spreads, the stage of the cancer when you are first diagnosed, and symptoms. Chemotherapy is commonly used. A drug called rituximab (Rituxan) is often used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Rituxan is a form of immunotherapy.

Radioimmunotherapy may be used in some cases. This involves linking a radioactive substance with an antibody that helps the immune system fight infection, and injecting the substance into the body.

In select cases, a stem cell transplant may be needed.