Lymphoma
July 13, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Alex Herrera, M.D., associate professor, division of lymphoma, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte
Lymphoma is an umbrella term describing dozens of cancers that begin in the immune system. Lymphomas are the most common type of blood cancer, broadly categorized as either Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin disease. Lymphomas comprise about 5% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States.
When white blood cells in the lymphatic system (where immune activity occurs) change, or mutate, lymphoma may result. Following diagnosis, the care team will develop a treatment plan based on the patient's lymphoma type and stage, as well as other factors.
In 2025, approximately 89,070 adults and children in the United States will be diagnosed with lymphoma, according to the American Cancer Society.
About 90% of people with lymphoma are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Usually, there are no early warning signs of lymphoma. Some of the first symptoms of lymphoma are the same as other illnesses, including swollen lymph nodes, cough and fever, making it challenging to diagnose early on.
Lymphoma is typically diagnosed using a biopsy, which involves removing a small sliver of tissue or an entire lymph node and examining it under a microscope. A biopsy may be performed using a needle or with surgery. Once the care team develops a diagnosis, other tests may be needed to determine where the lymphoma is in the body and the stage of the disease.
While lymphoma is a rare disease, some types are more common, and each type appears and acts differently in the body. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, with non-Hodgkin being the more common type and both having several subtypes.
Following a lymphoma diagnosis, the care team will work with the patient to develop a coordinated, personalized treatment plan. Treatment recommendations will take into account the patient's lymphoma type and stage, as well as his or her overall health and goals. The treatment plan may include such options as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
Getting treated for lymphoma at City of Hope means you benefit from something unique in cancer care — groundbreaking treatment developments taking place just steps from your bedside.
Lymphoma Patient Stories
Our Lymphoma Expertise
City of Hope's lymphoma program is among the best in the United States. We treat the full spectrum of disease — whether you are newly diagnosed or have cancer that has returned or failed to respond to previous therapies.
Our commitment to providing exceptional lymphoma care includes:
- Expertise in rare lymphoma subtypes, like cutaneous, double-hit B cell and AIDS-related lymphomas
- Home to one of the biggest lymphoma teams, who have driven advancements in the field and led development of drugs approved for lymphoma by the FDA
- Promising CAR T cell and other immune therapies to boost the immune system's cancer-fighting response
- A pioneering blood and bone marrow transplant program that performs hundreds of transplants yearly and utilizes innovative approaches like pairing transplantation with new therapies
- Genetic testing and customized drug therapy tailored to the molecular profile of specific lymphoma types
- Collaboration with an international network of institutions, providing patients speedy access to the best therapies and latest clinical trials
- Experience with difficult-to-treat groups, like older and pediatric patients and those with other chronic conditions
- Survivorship clinics that support and monitor patients throughout the disease
Industry-leading supportive care programs to address lymphoma-related financial, spiritual and symptom issues.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to blood cancer care.
