About Lymphoma
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. It affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. There are two main categories: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and together they encompass more than 70 distinct subtypes.
What is the difference between Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma is identified by the presence of a specific type of abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes all other lymphomas and is far more common, accounting for about 90% of all lymphoma diagnoses in the United States. The distinction matters because it directly affects treatment planning and prognosis.
What are the most common types of lymphoma?
The most common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common form of Hodgkin lymphoma. Each subtype behaves differently and is treated differently, which is why getting a specific diagnosis is so important.
What causes lymphoma?
There is no single known cause. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing lymphoma, including age, a weakened immune system, certain infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus or HIV), and family history. That said, many people diagnosed with lymphoma have no identifiable risk factors.
Who gets lymphoma?
Lymphoma can affect anyone. It is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with an estimated 89,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Some subtypes are more common in younger adults, while others tend to appear in people over 60.
Lymphoma Symptoms & Diagnosis
What are the symptoms of lymphoma?
Common symptoms include swollen lymph nodes (often in the neck, armpit, or groin), fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, and itching. These symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, which is one reason lymphoma can be difficult to identify early. If you’re experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms, it’s worth talking to your doctor.
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
Lymphoma Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, blood tests, imaging scans (like a PET or CT scan), and a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis with certainty.
What should I do if I think I have lymphoma?
Start by making an appointment with your primary care physician and describing your symptoms clearly. If lymphoma is suspected, you’ll likely be referred to a hematologist or oncologist who specializes in blood cancers. Getting a second opinion from a lymphoma specialist is a widely supported and reasonable step.
What does staging mean for lymphoma?
Staging describes how far the lymphoma has spread in the body, typically on a scale from I (localized) to IV (widespread). Staging helps your care team determine the best treatment approach and gives a clearer picture of what to expect. Higher staging does not always mean a worse outcome, especially given the treatments available today.
Lymphoma Treatment
How is lymphoma treated?
Treatment depends on the type and stage of lymphoma, as well as your overall health and personal preferences. Common approaches include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Some slow-growing lymphomas may not require immediate treatment and are instead monitored through active surveillance.
What is watchful waiting (active surveillance)?
Active surveillance, sometimes called “watch and wait,” means your care team monitors your lymphoma closely without starting treatment right away. This is often recommended for slow-growing, or indolent, lymphomas that aren’t causing significant symptoms. It can feel counterintuitive, but for many patients this approach avoids unnecessary side effects while the disease remains stable.
Are there clinical trials I should know about?
Yes, and they’re worth exploring. Clinical trials test new treatments and can offer access to therapies not yet widely available. The Lymphoma Research Foundation maintains a clinical trial finder at lymphoma.org to help you search for studies that match your diagnosis. Asking your oncologist about clinical trials is always a reasonable part of the conversation.
Should I see a lymphoma specialist?
Ideally, yes. Lymphoma is a complex disease, and treatment is most effective when guided by someone who specializes in it. If you were diagnosed at a community hospital or by a general oncologist, getting a consult at a comprehensive cancer center or academic medical institution can be an important step, especially for less common subtypes.
Living With Lymphoma
What should I expect after a lymphoma diagnosis?
Everyone’s experience is different, but many people describe the period right after diagnosis as emotionally overwhelming, even before treatment begins. It’s normal to feel scared, confused, or uncertain about what comes next. Connecting with a care team, gathering reliable lymphoma information, and reaching out for support, whether through a counselor, a peer who has been through it, or an organization like the Lymphoma Research Foundation, can all make a real difference.
Can lymphoma come back after treatment?
Yes, for some people, lymphoma can return after treatment. This is called a relapse, and it’s more common with certain subtypes than others. If that happens, there are often additional treatment options available, including second-line therapies and clinical trials. Staying engaged with your care team after treatment ends is an important part of monitoring for recurrence.
What resources does the Lymphoma Research Foundation offer for patients and care partners?
The Foundation offers a range of free resources from our Lymphoma Resource Center, including connection with social workers, educational webinars, and disease-specific fact sheets. All of our resources are available at no cost and are designed for people at every stage of the lymphoma journey.
Where can I find support for lymphoma?
Our Lymphoma Resource Center is a great starting point. You can also browse our online resource library, or attend one of our free patient education events. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Contact the Lymphoma Resource Center to speak with an oncology social worker or browse our full resource library.