Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Lymphoma - non-Hodgkin; Lymphocytic lymphoma; Histiocytic lymphoma; Lymphoblastic lymphoma; Cancer - non-Hodgkin lymphoma

 

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is cancer of the lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system.

White blood cells called lymphocytes are found in lymph tissue. They help prevent infections. Most lymphomas start in a type of white blood cell called the B lymphocyte, or B cell.

Causes

 

For most people, the cause of NHL is unknown. But lymphomas may develop in people with weakened immune systems, including people who have had an organ transplant or people with HIV infection.

NHL most often affects adults. Men develop NHL more often than women. Children can also develop some forms of NHL.

There are many types of NHL. One classification (grouping) is by how fast the cancer spreads. The cancer may be low grade (slow growing), intermediate grade, or high grade (fast growing).

NHL is further grouped by how the cells look under the microscope, what type of white blood cell it originates from, and whether there are certain DNA changes in the tumor cells themselves.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms depend on what area of the body is affected by the cancer and how fast the cancer is growing.

Symptoms may include:

  • Drenching night sweats
  • Fever and chills that come and go
  • Itching
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, groin, or other areas
  • Weight loss
  • Coughing or shortness of breath if the cancer affects the thymus gland or lymph nodes in the chest, putting pressure on the windpipe (trachea) or its branches
  • Abdominal pain or swelling, leading to loss of appetite, constipation, nausea, and vomiting
  • Headache, concentration problems, personality changes, or seizures if the cancer affects the brain

 

Exams and Tests

 

The doctor will perform a physical exam and check body areas with lymph nodes to feel if they are swollen.

The disease may be diagnosed after biopsy of suspected tissue, usually a lymph node biopsy .

Other tests that may be done include:

  • Blood test to check protein levels, liver function, kidney function, and uric acid level
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • CT scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
  • Bone marrow biopsy
  • PET (positron emission tomography) scan

If tests show you have NHL, more tests will be done to see how far it has spread. This is called staging. Staging helps guide future treatment and follow-up.

 

Treatment

 

Treatment depends on:

  • The specific type of NHL
  • The stage when you are first diagnosed
  • Your age and overall health
  • Symptoms, including weight loss, fever, and night sweats

You may receive chemotherapy , radiation therapy , or both. Or you may not need immediate treatment. Your doctor can tell you more about your specific treatment.

Radioimmunotherapy may be used in some cases. This involves linking a radioactive substance to an antibody that targets the cancerous cells and injecting the substance into the body.

A type of chemotherapy called targeted therapy  may be tried. It uses a drug to zero in on specific targets (molecules) in or on cancer cells. Using these targets, the drug disables the cancer cells so they cannot spread.

High-dose chemotherapy may be given when NHL recurs or fails to respond to the first treatment administered. This is followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (using your own stem cells) to rescue the bone marrow after the high-dose chemotherapy. With certain types of NHL, these treatment steps are used at first remission to try and achieve a cure.

Blood transfusions or platelet transfusions may be required if blood counts are low.

You and your healthcare provider may need to manage other concerns during your leukemia treatment, including:

  • Having chemotherapy at home
  • Managing your pets  during chemotherapy
  • Bleeding problems
  • Dry mouth
  • Eating enough calories
  • Safe eating  during cancer treatment

 

Support Groups

 

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group . Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Low-grade NHL often cannot be cured by chemotherapy alone. Low-grade NHL progresses slowly and may take many years before the disease gets worse or even requires treatment. The need for treatment is usually determined by symptoms, how fast the disease is progressing, and if blood counts are low.

Chemotherapy may cure many types of high-grade lymphomas. If the cancer does not respond to chemotherapy, the disease can cause rapid death.

 

Possible Complications

 

NHL itself and its treatments can lead to health problems. These include:

  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • Infection
  • Side effects of chemotherapy drugs

Keep following up with a doctor who knows about monitoring and preventing these complications.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.

If you have NHL, call your provider if you experience persistent fever or other signs of infection.

 

 

Open References

References

National Cancer Institute: PDQ adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated January 25, 2016. cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/adult-non-hodgkins/HealthProfessional . Accessed March 17, 2016.

National Cancer Institute: PDQ childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated January 26, 2015. cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/child-non-hodgkins/HealthProfessional . Accessed March 17, 2016.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Version 2.2016. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/nhl.pdf . Accessed March 17, 2016.

Roschewiski MJ, Wilson WH. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2014:chap 106.

 
  • Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan

    Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan - illustration

    This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses (malignant lymphomas) in the area behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal space).

    Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan

    illustration

  • Immune system structures

    Immune system structures - illustration

    The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.

    Immune system structures

    illustration

    • Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan

      Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan - illustration

      This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses (malignant lymphomas) in the area behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal space).

      Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan

      illustration

    • Immune system structures

      Immune system structures - illustration

      The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.

      Immune system structures

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Self Care

     

      Tests for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

       
       

      Review Date: 2/1/2016

      Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

      The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

       
       
       

       

       

      A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



      Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.