Lymphoma

Blood Disorders & Cancer
Lymphoma

Overview

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. It happens when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can form tumors and affect the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other parts of the body.

At A Glance
Blood Disorders & Cancer condition

Common Signs And Symptoms

  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Fever And Chills
  • Sleep Disruptions And Night Sweats
  • Weight Loss
  • Dry Throat And Frequent Coughing
  • Dry Skin Or Skin Rashes
  • Lung Issues Shortness Of Breath Coughing Lung Fibrosis
  • Fatigue

Lymphoma symptoms can vary depending on the type and where it develops, but common symptoms include:

Types of Lymphoma

There are over 70 different types of lymphoma that fall into two main categories:

  • HL(Hodgkin's Lymphoma)Usually starts in the upper body
    Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells
    More likely to be diagnosed in young adults or older adults
  • NHL(Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma)More common than HL
    Can start in lymph nodes anywhere in the body
    Includes many subtypes, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma

Diagnosis Journey

The following tests can be used to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma:

Doctors begin by reviewing the patient's full medical history and conducting a physical exam, often checking for swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or other unexplained symptoms.Lymphoma can be difficult to diagnose at first, as its symptoms, like night sweats, fatigue, or weight loss. These can be mistaken for other conditions. If lymphoma is suspected, a biopsy of a lymph node is usually required to confirm the diagnosis.Other common diagnostic tools include blood tests, imaging scans like CT or PET, and sometimes a bone marrow biopsy to see if the cancer has spread. These tests help determine the type of lymphoma and how advanced it is, which guides treatment decisions.

Treatment Options

Treatments for lymphoma include:

  • 01ChemotherapyThe most common treatment for lymphoma. It uses drugs that travel through the bloodstream to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
  • 02Radiation TherapyHigh-energy rays are used to target and kill lymphoma cells in specific areas.
  • 03ImmunotherapyHelps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively.
  • 04Targeted TherapyUses drugs that specifically attack lymphoma cells while sparing most normal cells.
  • 05Stem Cell TransplantDamaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells to allow the body to produce new, healthy blood cells.
  • 06Active SurveillanceFor some slow-growing lymphomas, treatment may not be needed right away. Instead, doctors closely monitor the disease until treatment is necessary.

Ongoing Research

Lymphoma is a rare disease that requires more effective treatment options. To find these new treatments for lymphoma, further research is needed.

Current Research Studies

Discover our featured study below for lymphoma. If this study is not right for you or a loved one, there are over 2,000 lymphoma research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov to find lymphoma research studies near you.

Research & Resources

Clinical research helps scientists learn more about Lymphoma and develop better treatments for the future.

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