Expert Lymphoma Care in Portland and Vancouver

At Compass Oncology, our cancer experts include hematologists/oncologists who specialize in blood cancers, including different types of lymphomas. 

Find a Lymphoma Doctor
compass oncology lymphoma specialists w/ patient

 

 

lymphoma specialist and latest treatment at compass

Compass Oncology lymphoma doctors are here to guide you through selecting and receiving the treatment that's right for you. They take the time to discuss treatment options with each patient, considering the type and extent of the lymphoma, as well as the patient’s overall health. 

With locations in Portland and Vancouver, we combine advanced treatment options with a collaborative, patient-centered approach to make sure you feel supported, informed, and confident throughout your care.

Types of Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a broad term used for a group of blood cancers that begin in cells of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Lymphomas develop when lymphocytes become abnormal. Lymphocytes are white blood cells formed in the bone marrow that travel through the blood and lymph fluid.

When caught early, most lymphomas can be successfully treated. Recommended treatment depends on the specific type.

There are two primary categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). 

Some lymphomas arise from B-lymphocytes, while others arise from T-lymphocytes. Lymphomas are also described by their growth rate — rapidly growing lymphomas are referred to as “aggressive,” and slow-growing lymphomas are referred to as “indolent.”

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

NHL is the most common type, including over 60 subtypes that generally develop in lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue found in organs such as the stomach, intestines, or skin. NHL sometimes also affects the blood and bone marrow.

More About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma and tends to affect young adults in the prime of their lives. Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly survivable blood cancer, especially when caught early.

More About Hodgkin Lymphoma
diagnosing-hodgkin-lymphoma-info-from-portland-vancouver-hematologists-compass

Staging Lymphoma

Staging describes where the lymphoma is located, whether it has spread, and whether it is affecting other parts of the body. Knowing the stage helps the lymphoma specialist decide on the best treatment. It can also predict the patient’s chance of recovery (prognosis). Learn about the stages of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Staging Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Staging Hodgkin Lymphoma

A Team Approach to Lymphoma Care and Treatment

Our multidisciplinary team of lymphoma experts includes medical oncologists, hematologists, and radiation oncologists who work together to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

We provide standard and advanced lymphoma treatments, including clinical research trials at Compass Oncology. These trials offer innovative therapies and treatment combinations to improve outcomes and quality of life. Our goal is to support you every stage of your journey, ensuring you feel confident in your care

Find a Hematologist in Portland, Oregon

The Latest Lymphoma Treatment Options

Your hematologists/oncologists will recommend a personalized lymphoma treatment plan based on the type of lymphoma you have, its stage, how quickly it's growing, and your overall prognosis. In some cases, treatment may not begin right away. Compass Oncology is dedicated to treating lymphoma using the latest technologies.

Learn more about treatment options for both types of lymphoma.

Treating Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Treating Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphoma Clinical Trials Through Compass

In recent years, clinical research has made steady advances in lymphoma treatment, thanks to patients who are willing to participate in trials proving the safety and effectiveness of new and better therapies. The hematology-oncologists at Compass Oncology continue to actively participate in multiple clinical trials focused on treating lymphoma and other blood cancers. Contact us today to learn more about the lymphoma clinical trials available in the Portland-Vancouver area.

About Clinical Trials

Frequently Asked Questions About Lymphomas

What are the signs and symptoms of lymphomas?

Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:

  • Painless lump/enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Fever without an obvious reason (ie, viral infection)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Shortness of breath

What are the risk factors associated with lymphoma?

Factors that can increase the risk of lymphoma include:

  • Developing certain infections. Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection/mononucleosis, T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1), and Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) can directly affect the DNA of lymphocytes, helping transform them into cancer cells.
  • Your age. Some types of lymphoma are more common in young adults, while others are most often diagnosed in people over the age of 55.
  • Your gender. Males are slightly more likely to develop lymphoma than females.
  • Your race. White males are more likely than males of African American and Asian American descent to develop lymphoma in the United States.
  • Family history. The risk of lymphoma increases if there has been a first-degree relative (parent, child, sibling) diagnosed with lymphoma.
  • Having a weakened immune system. Lymphoma is more commonly seen in people with immune system diseases or in people who take drugs that suppress the immune system.
  • Autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren disease, and celiac disease are some autoimmune diseases that have been linked with an increased risk of certain lymphomas.
  • Bodyweight and diet. People who are overweight or obese, or those who eat a diet high in fat and meat, may be at a higher risk for certain lymphomas.

How are lymphomas detected and diagnosed?

Lymphomas are typically not detected through routine screening tests. Instead, they are often identified when individuals begin to experience signs and symptoms related to the disease. If you notice any symptoms of lymphoma, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor so they can make an accurate diagnosis.

Learn about the types of tests used by hematologists to confirm a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Diagnosing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Diagnosing Hodgkin Lymphoma

What are the signs and symptoms of lymphomas?

What are the signs and symptoms of lymphomas?

Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:

  • Painless lump/enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Fever without an obvious reason (ie, viral infection)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Shortness of breath

What are the risk factors associated with lymphoma?

What are the risk factors associated with lymphoma?

Factors that can increase the risk of lymphoma include:

  • Developing certain infections. Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection/mononucleosis, T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1), and Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) can directly affect the DNA of lymphocytes, helping transform them into cancer cells.
  • Your age. Some types of lymphoma are more common in young adults, while others are most often diagnosed in people over the age of 55.
  • Your gender. Males are slightly more likely to develop lymphoma than females.
  • Your race. White males are more likely than males of African American and Asian American descent to develop lymphoma in the United States.
  • Family history. The risk of lymphoma increases if there has been a first-degree relative (parent, child, sibling) diagnosed with lymphoma.
  • Having a weakened immune system. Lymphoma is more commonly seen in people with immune system diseases or in people who take drugs that suppress the immune system.
  • Autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren disease, and celiac disease are some autoimmune diseases that have been linked with an increased risk of certain lymphomas.
  • Bodyweight and diet. People who are overweight or obese, or those who eat a diet high in fat and meat, may be at a higher risk for certain lymphomas.

How are lymphomas detected and diagnosed?

How are lymphomas detected and diagnosed?

Lymphomas are typically not detected through routine screening tests. Instead, they are often identified when individuals begin to experience signs and symptoms related to the disease. If you notice any symptoms of lymphoma, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor so they can make an accurate diagnosis.

Learn about the types of tests used by hematologists to confirm a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Diagnosing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Diagnosing Hodgkin Lymphoma

Find a Lymphoma Specialist in Portland-Vancouver

If you have been diagnosed with a type of lymphoma, the blood cancer doctors at Compass Oncology can discuss your specific diagnosis and recommend treatment or provide a second opinion on the best cancer treatment based on your situation. We offer the latest cancer treatments close to home at cancer centers located in the Portland-Vancouver area.
Sharif
Ahmed, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology
Tristan
Bice, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology
Nora
Bucher, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology
Jenn
Keiser, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology
Sunny
Kim, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology
Anthony
Pham, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology
Ian
Schnadig, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology
Gerald
Segal, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology
Magdolna
Solti, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology
Anthony
Van Ho, MD

Medical Oncology, Hematology