Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells help the body fight disease and infection as part of the immune system. NHL typically starts in the body’s lymph system, and more rarely the skin. There are many types of NHL that are classified based on exactly which cell type is affected, their growth phase and other factors.

Each year in the United States, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 80,620 people are diagnosed with this disease, including adults and children.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may not always cause symptoms, and some of the symptoms it causes may be vague in nature. The most common symptom is swelling in the lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, groin area and armpit.

Some patients may also experience B symptoms, which include fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma may include frequent infections, shortness of breath, frequent bruising or bleeding, and fatigue.

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and medical history, but the only definitive way to confirm a diagnosis is through a lymph node biopsy.

After diagnosis, additional tests on biopsy and blood samples will help determine the cancer’s type. Further imaging and blood testing may help determine the stage. NHL is grouped from Stages 1 to 4, based on the number of cancerous lymph nodes that are present and their locations in the body. Staging helps a patient’s care team determine the appropriate treatment plan for their cancer type.

When treating NHL, a personalized treatment plan may be created, depending on the stage and cancer type and the patient’s age, overall health and preferences.

Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments. It is sometimes combined with steroid medication. For patients with slow-growing cancers, a watchful waiting approach may be used, in which patients are closely monitored and active treatment won’t begin until the cancer starts to cause symptoms.

Other common NHL treatment options include radiation therapy and immunotherapy.