What is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma? It is a type of cancer. Lymphoma is a general term for cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. Hodgkin's disease is one type of lymphoma.
Be assured medical research has led to real progress against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that have increased survival rates and improved quality of life.
Deal with Fear with Information
Life threatening illnesses are frightening. But one of the components to help deal with fear is being armed with information. The diagnosis of cancer brings with it many questions and a need for clear, understandable answers.
The Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service's are very helpful and accessible to everyone across Canada through toll free phone services (1-888-939-3333), local branch offices, and web sites. Trained professionals are available to answer your questions with compassion, caring and a deep understanding of what you, your family and friends may be experiencing.
Another excellent source for information is the National Cancer Institute.
The following information is a compilation from the Canadian Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute's web site.
The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin. Other symptoms may include:
- Unexplained fever
- Night sweats
- Constant fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itchy skin
- Reddened patches on the skin
When symptoms like these occur, they are not sure signs of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. They may also be caused by other, less serious conditions, such as the flu or other infections. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
When symptoms are present it is important to see a doctor so that any illness can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. They may also order tests that include: X-rays, CAT scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and/or biopsy.
Over the years, doctors have used a variety of terms to classify the many different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Most often they are grouped by how the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly they are likely to grow and spread.
If non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is diagnosed the doctor needs to learn the stage or extent of the disease.
Treatments Depend of Staging of Cancer
Staging is a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, what parts of the body are affected. Treatment decisions depend on these findings. The doctor develops a treatment plan to fit each patient's needs.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most common treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, although bone marrow transplantation, biological therapies, or surgery are sometimes used.
The following are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What kind of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma do I have?
- What is the stage of the disease?
- What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me and why?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
- What side effects should I report to you?
- How long will treatment last?
- What are the chances that the treatment will be successful?
- Will treatment affect my normal activities? If so, for how long?
- Are new treatments under study? Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
Eat Well
It is very important to eat well during cancer treatment. That means getting enough calories and protein to help prevent weight loss and regain strength. Good nutrition often helps people feel better and have more energy.
Doctors, nurses, and dietitians can offer advice on how to get enough calories and protein during cancer treatment.
It is through the ongoing research that the knowledge about non-Hodgkin's lymphoma keeps increasing.
