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Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Understanding Your Diagnosis Deciding on Treatment Managing Side Effects Cancer FAQs Advanced Reading
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the body's immune system. Cancerous cells in the lymphatic system cause the lymph glands to swell.
Overview
This cancer has many types, but overall, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer, not including skin cancers.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
To make the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, your doctor will take a small sample of tissue or fluid from the area of the lymphoma and have it checked for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only way to diagnose this type of cancer.
Deciding on Treatment
Your doctor may recommend one treatment or a combination of treatments. The most common treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma are watchful waiting, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Managing Side Effects
Cancer treatment affects each person differently. Some people have no side effects, and other may have many. Your doctor and cancer nurse will work to control any side effects that you experience.
Advanced Reading
Learn more about non-Hodgkin lymphoma from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physician Data Query (PDQ®) for patients. It includes information about prevention, screening, and treatment.
