Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

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What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system contains lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and glands, such as the spleen and thymus. Lymph vessels carry lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymph fluid contains lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help fight infection and disease. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma causes lymphocytes to grow and divide without control and to form tumors. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can develop in any lymph tissue in the body. Common places are lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, and chest. Cancer cells can travel from lymph node to lymph node and spread through the body.

What causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

The cause of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not known. The following may increase your risk:

• Long-term exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides, hair dyes, woodworking chemicals, or nitrates in drinking water
• A family history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Certain drugs, such as amphetamines, LSD, or cocaine, or nicotine
• Exposure to high amounts of radiation
• A weakened immune system
• Certain viral or bacterial infections

What are the signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, arm, or groin
• Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a cough
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Bleeding or bruising more easily than usual
• Fever, itchy skin, or night sweats
• Pain or swelling in your abdomen and pain in the lower back or in both legs
• Weight loss you cannot explain

How is non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and when they began. Tell your provider if you have a family history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma or other risk factors. Your healthcare provider will look for symptoms of a problem with an organ to help diagnose non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For example, trouble breathing may mean your lung is affected. You may need any of the following to help diagnose non-Hodgkin lymphoma or find if it is early or later stage:

• Blood tests may show abnormal white blood cells or signs of anemia (not enough red blood cells). The tests may also be used to measure the amount of inflammation in your blood. Blood tests can also be used to check your liver and kidney function, or check for an infection.
• A biopsy is a procedure to remove a tissue sample to be tested. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed from a lymph node biopsy. Your provider may also test a bone marrow sample to see if the cancer has spread to your bones.
• X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET scan pictures may be taken of your chest, abdomen, and pelvis. The pictures may show where the cancer is located. Your healthcare provider may use the x-rays to look for tumors, blockages, signs of infection, or other problems. You may be given contrast liquid to help the cancer show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. An MRI machine contains a powerful magnet. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury from the magnet. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.

How is non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated?

Some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma grow and spread slowly and are called indolent. Others grow and spread quickly and are called aggressive. Treatment depends on the type and how far it has spread in your body.

• Chemotherapy is medicine used to treat cancer by killing tumor cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink lymph nodes that contain cancer.
• Radiation therapy uses x-rays or gamma rays to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells and may stop the cancer from spreading. It may be given alone or with chemotherapy to treat cancer.
• A bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace your bone marrow with healthy marrow. You are usually given bone marrow from a donor. Sometimes your own marrow may be used if it is collected when your cancer is in remission (not active). The bone marrow transplant is given to you in an IV while you are in the hospital.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• prednisone
• Revlimid
• Velcade
• Adcetris
• Leukeran

View more treatment options

What can I do to care for myself?

• Rest as needed. Return to activities slowly, and do more as you feel stronger.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, nuts, whole-grain breads and cereals. Healthy foods help you get the protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients your body needs. You may need to change the foods you eat depending on your treatments and side effects. You may also need to eat more calories than usual. Work with a dietitian to plan the best meals and snacks for you. Ask if you should take vitamins.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes increase your risk for lung disease. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need help quitting. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Ask your provider for information before you use these products.
• Limit or drink alcohol, as directed by your provider. Your skin may itch when you drink alcohol. Alcohol also increases your risk for dehydration if you are vomiting. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the number of drinks you have within 24 hours and within 1 week, as directed. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
• Avoid people who have a cold or the flu. Also try to stay away from large groups of people to decrease your risk.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have severe chest pain.
• You have more trouble breathing than usual.
• You have a seizure.
• You cannot think clearly, or you feel confused.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You are too dizzy to stand, or you have trouble keeping your balance.
• Your legs swell.
• You feel weak or numb on one side of your body.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have a fever.
• You have back pain and weakness in your legs.
• You are vomiting and cannot keep any food or liquids down.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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