Lymphoma is a broad term used for a group of blood cancers that begin in cells of the lymphatic system. There are two primary categories of lymphomas: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Hodgkin lymphoma is highly survivable, especially when caught early. The prognosis of NHL patients can vary by type and by stage. But overall the 5-year survival rate for people with NHL is 71%.
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that results from a change to the DNA of a lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell. It is one of the most curable forms of cancer. Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma can include one or more of the following: chemotherapy, immunotherapy and/or radiation therapy, and sometimes bone marrow transplantation, depending on individual patient factors.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a diverse group of blood cancers that generally develop in the lymphocyte cells that help fight infection. NHL is often found as a lump in the neck, groin, armpit or other areas where lymph nodes are located. There are several types of NHL, which can affect either the T-cell or the B-cell in the white blood cells. And NHL can be either aggressive (fast-growing) and indolent (slow-growing). Treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes watchful waiting, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and biological therapies, depending on individual patient factors.
Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:
Factors that can increase the risk of lymphoma include:
Compass Oncology participates in clinical trials through Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a joint venture with US Oncology Research that offers lymphoma and other blood cancer clinical research trials for patients in the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, areas. Several promising new treatments are currently being studied for lymphomas. Our patients have participated in clinical research trials that have led to new cancer therapies being approved by the FDA.
You can review other important information about diagnosing lymphoma, staging the disease, and lymphoma treatment options on our website or you can request a consultation with one of our blood cancer specialists at our offices in Portland and Vancouver where they can answer questions specific to your individual diagnosis.