Lymphoma Care

Lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that occurs when some of the body’s immune cells, called lymphocytes, become abnormal and grow out of control. There are more than 70 different types of lymphoma. Some are very indolent (slow growing) and some are very aggressive (fast growing).

There are two main categories of lymphoma—Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is further classified as either B-cell lymphoma or T-cell lymphoma, depending on the type of lymphocyte cells that are affected.

We diagnose lymphoma by performing a biopsy from the part of your body where the lymphoma is located. This will help us determine which type of lymphoma you have.

We also perform special testing on the biopsy specimen to help us learn about the specific characteristics of the lymphoma, such as any genetic mutations that may be present. We also perform imaging tests, including PET scans, CT scans and MRIs to help us determine the stage of the lymphoma. Even advanced stage (stage IV) lymphoma can be successfully treated and cured. We use all of the information from these tests to develop a customized treatment plan specifically for the lymphoma you have.

Some patients with lymphoma may have no symptoms at all, while others may have many symptoms. The most common symptoms that people with lymphoma experience include:

• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive sweating at nighttime
• Decreased energy
• Painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes