What Is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that are part of the lymphatic system — a key part of the body’s immune system. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The prognosis and treatment for lymphoma depend on many factors, including the specific type and stage of the disease.
Types of Lymphoma Include:
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Hodgkin’s lymphoma
(Hodgkin’s disease) – occurs when a cancer cell, known as the Reed-Sternberg cell, spreads from one part of the lymph system to another and then into other organs. -
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B- and T-cell)
(NHL) – NHL can be indolent, which means it grows slowly (over many months to a few years) and frequently without causing many symptoms, or it can be aggressive, which means it grows rapidly (over weeks to a few months) and often causes symptoms. -
Cutaneous lymphoma
A rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that affects the skin, where other types of lymphoma tend to spread into the lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen and other organs within the lymphatic system. -
HIV-associated lymphoma
A cancer that affects individuals who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This can be a hodgkin's or a non-hodgkin's lymphoma. In most cases, this condition develops when malignant cancer cells start to form in the lymph system, but there are cases where HIV-associated lymphoma occurs outside the lymph nodes.
There is no such thing as routine cancer, as every patient and their experiences are unique. Our team of experts is committed to providing every patient with a personal and compassionate approach to cancer care. This means working with patients on an individual basis to diagnose the exact type of lymphoma a patient has, before creating a customized plan for treatment.
The OSUCCC – James has been designated a Comprehensive Center of Excellence in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphatic Diseases by the Lymphatic Education and Research Network and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of diagnostics, lymphoma treatment and patient care. Our team works diligently to provide the appropriate treatment that considers every factor.
How Does Lymphoma Form?
Lymphoma forms because of genetic mutations within the lymphocytes. These mutations make the lymphocytes grow uncontrollably and form tumors (or masses) both in the lymphatic system (lymph nodes) and throughout the body.
While the exact cause of lymphoma is unclear, the clinicians and researchers on the care team at OSUCCC – James are committed to understanding lymphoma in great depth and developing advanced treatment options.
What Are the Risk Factors of Lymphoma?
Risk factors are anything that increases the likelihood of developing a disease, such as lymphoma. If a person has more than one risk factor, the chances of developing cancer may be higher. Certain forms of lymphoma are rarer than others.
Additional risk factors of lymphoma may include:
- Age: Individuals older than 55 and those in the age range between 15-40 are more likely to be diagnosed with lymphoma.
- Family history and genetics: If a first-degree relative — such as a parent or sibling — has had lymphoma, this may increase the chances of developing the disease.
- Gender: Although anyone can be diagnosed with lymphoma, men are more likely to develop certain types of lymphoma than women.
- Health history: Those who have a weakened immune system, have had cancer in the past, have been through an organ transplant or are on certain medications may be at a higher risk for lymphoma.
- Toxin exposure: Lymphoma is more common in people who have been exposed to toxins, radiation and certain hazardous chemicals.
A risk factor does not determine whether or not a patient may develop lymphoma. If you are concerned about the risk factors you have or are experiencing worrying symptoms, you should speak with your doctor right away. In some cases, genetic counseling may be appropriate.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma?
The exact symptoms of lymphoma are present in many different ways, depending on the stage and type of cancer. Certain subtypes of lymphoma may develop quickly, while others are slow to develop and may have symptoms that mimic other conditions.
Lymphoma symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- A fever or night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite
- Unusual levels of fatigue
- Red patches of skin
- Recurrent and widespread itchiness
- Bleeding or bruising easily
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Difficulty recovering from infections
- Pain in the stomach area or chest
It can be very worrying to read about the symptoms of lymphoma, especially if these signs line up with your recent symptoms. It is important to remember that these symptoms are not diagnostic of cancer on their own. However, if you are experiencing these symptoms and have concerns about your health, you should reach out to our cancer team immediately.
How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed?
Lymphoma is a complex disease and presents differently in every patient. A physical exam is the first step to determine whether or not further diagnostic tests and screening will be necessary. During this exam, the doctor will ask you about any past illnesses and treatments, as well as your overall health and risk factors.
Depending on the outcome of an initial visit and examination, further testing will be needed to assess and make a diagnosis. These tests will give your doctors further insight to make an accurate lymphoma diagnosis and to determine the stage of the disease.
Testing methods for lymphoma may include:
- Blood testing
- Scans such as CT or CAT, PET or PET-CT, MRI and/or ultrasound
- Lymph node biopsy or removal
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Testing for HIV/AIDS
Whether you have already received a diagnosis, have a family member who has been diagnosed with cancer or are concerned about symptoms and side effects, you likely have many pressing questions. Our team of lymphoma cancer experts can answer specific questions not answered here, such as detailed information regarding lymphoma survival rates, lymphoma treatments and more.
We strive to provide you with personalized care and patient-specific answers, which we can do once you have become a patient at the OSUCCC – James.
How Is Lymphoma Treated?
Treatment for lymphoma is based on several varying factors, including your overall health, age and any existing symptoms. The type and stage of lymphoma you have been diagnosed with will play a big part in the approach to treatment. At the OSUCCC – James, our team of cancer experts is here to provide answers and will be there for you every step of the way through testing, staging, diagnosis and treatment.
The phases of lymphoma treatment may include:
Regular follow-up and surveillance of symptoms
Certain types of lymphoma grow very slowly and may not need immediate treatment. If your symptoms are not interfering with your quality of life, careful surveillance and regular follow-up may be the proper measures. If the disease develops further, your team of doctors will determine the next appropriate course of action.
Chemotherapy
The goal of chemotherapy is to stop cancer cells from growing and to destroy existing cancer cells. These drugs can be injected or taken orally, allowing them to reach cells throughout the body. A chemotherapy regimen typically involves a series of treatments over several weeks or months. Depending on the stage and type of lymphoma, the combination of drugs and how many treatments a patient may receive during chemotherapy can vary.
Immunotherapy
Also known as biologic therapy, immunotherapy works to boost your immune system. This is done to improve your body’s natural defenses or ability to fight cancer. There are different types of immunotherapies that have been approved by the FDA to treat lymphoma. This form of treatment may be used alongside other types of treatment for lymphoma.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is used to kill lymphoma cancer cells or stop them from growing with the use of specialized, high-energy X-rays (or other forms of radiation). Depending on the type of lymphoma and the location(s), radiation will be given on a set regimen of treatments set some days or weeks apart. Your doctors will establish a plan to use directed radiation therapy to avoid causing any damage to healthy tissue and cells.
Stem cell transplantation/bone marrow transplantation
There are multiple types of transplantation for the treatment of lymphoma. Hematopoietic stem cells (specialized cells) can be taken from either the blood or the bone marrow of the patient or a healthy donor depending on the type of transplantation. These cells are then transplanted back to the patient to improve the health of their immune system. This form of treatment is typically used if lymphoma returns or is resistant to treatment. Many factors will be considered before transplantation, such as your general health, age and what treatments you have undergone.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies are approved for the treatment of some types of lymphoma and involve collecting your immune cells (T-cells), enhancing these cells to allow them to attack cancer cells, and then giving back to the patient these enhanced cells in conjunction with chemotherapy (lymphodepletion). This form of treatment is typically used if lymphoma returns or is resistant to treatment. Your doctors will establish a plan taking into account many factors, including your general health, specific disease and what treatments you have undergone.
Clinical trials
The OSUCCC – James is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designated Cancer Center with a mission to provide new, promising therapies to patients with cancer. Our team of lymphoma experts may discuss if a clinical trial may be an option to treat your lymphoma. The OSUCCC – James typically maintains 20-30 active clinical trials for patients with lymphoma. If you are interested in considering clinical trials to treat your lymphoma, please let your treatment team know.
Lymphoma varies so greatly, and so do our patients’ needs, which is why we strive to design a compassionate and individualized approach to care for each patient. Depending on the type and stage of lymphoma you have been diagnosed with, a phased approach to treatment may be appropriate. You can rest assured that our team of cancer experts — pathologists, hematologists, oncologists and other specialists — will collaborate to treat your lymphoma.