Lymphoma

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, a vital part of the immune system responsible for circulating fluids and defending against infection. Because the lymphatic system extends throughout the body, lymphoma can develop almost anywhere. There are two main types of lymphoma:

• Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): Defined by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, a specific type of abnormal cell.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL): A broader group of lymphatic cancers that do not contain Reed-Sternberg cells.

A physician distinguishes between these types by analyzing affected tissue under a microscope.

Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma

The following may be signs of lymphoma but may also be caused by other conditions:

• Swollen lymph nodes (neck, underarm, or groin)
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Night sweats
• Stomach pain
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itching

It is important to share any of these symptoms with your doctor so the cause can be determined and treatment planned if necessary.

How Is Lymphoma Detected?

Diagnosis typically begins with a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

• Physical exam: Your doctor will check for enlarged lymph nodes.
• Biopsy: Removal of all or part of a swollen lymph node for analysis is often required to confirm diagnosis. A bone marrow biopsy may also be performed to determine whether the disease has spread.
• Imaging tests: CT scans, PET scans, or PET-CT scans may be ordered to assess the extent of disease.

1. A CT scan creates cross-sectional images of the body using X-rays.
2. A PET scan uses a radioactive tracer to identify cancer cells.
3. A PET-CT scan combines both for more precise imaging.

In some cases, antibiotics may first be prescribed to rule out infection-related lymph node swelling before pursuing cancer testing.

Stages of Lymphoma

Staging describes how far lymphoma has spread and helps guide treatment planning. The most common staging system for both Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the Ann Arbor system:

Stage I

Lymphoma is found in a single lymph node region or in one organ outside the lymph nodes.

Stage II

Lymphoma is found in two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm (either above or below).

Stage III

Lymphoma is found in lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm, or involves lymph nodes plus an organ or area near them.

Stage IV

Lymphoma has spread widely outside the lymphatic system to organs such as the bone marrow, liver, or lungs.

Each stage may also be classified with additional letters, such as:

• A: No significant symptoms.
• B: Presence of systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or weight loss.
• E: Cancer has spread directly to a nearby organ outside the lymph nodes.
• S: Cancer has spread to the spleen.

How Is Lymphoma Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and stage of lymphoma. Options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, and in some cases, surgery. These may be used alone or in combination. Important factors to consider when planning treatment include:

• Your age, health, and lifestyle
• The type and stage of your cancer
• Any other serious health conditions you have
• Your doctor’s opinion about urgency of treatment
• The likelihood that treatment will control or cure the cancer
• Possible side effects of each treatment option

Clear communication with your doctor is essential to weigh the benefits and risks and determine the best path forward.

Our Approach

We understand that a lymphoma diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening. At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we build our teams around you. Our expert oncologists guide you through every step of care, answering your questions and addressing your needs. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to lymphoma, please call us at (855) 528-7322 or request an appointment online.