Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and nodes that helps fight infection. NHL can occur at any age, but it is most common in people over 60.

Symptoms of NHL

The symptoms of NHL can vary depending on the type of lymphoma and its stage. Some common symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Causes of NHL

The exact cause of NHL is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some risk factors for NHL include:

• A weakened immune system
• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde
• A family history of NHL

Diagnosis of NHL

NHL is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests. Your doctor may also order a biopsy, which is the removal of a small sample of tissue from a lymph node or other affected area. The biopsy is then examined under a microscope to look for signs of cancer.

Stages of NHL

NHL is staged according to the extent of the disease. The stages of NHL are:

• Stage I: The cancer is confined to one lymph node region.
• Stage II: The cancer has spread to two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread to lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other organs, such as the bone marrow, lungs, or liver.

Treatment of NHL

The treatment of NHL depends on the type of lymphoma, its stage, and your overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is the use of drugs to boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is the use of drugs that target specific molecules on cancer cells.
• Stem cell transplant: A stem cell transplant is a procedure that replaces damaged or diseased stem cells with healthy stem cells.

Prognosis of NHL

The prognosis of NHL depends on the type of lymphoma, its stage, and your overall health. The five-year survival rate for all types of NHL is about 70%.

Prevention of NHL

There is no sure way to prevent NHL, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:

• Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde
• Getting vaccinated against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1)
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise

Living with NHL

If you are diagnosed with NHL, there are a number of things you can do to cope with the disease and its treatment. These things include:

• Joining a support group
• Talking to a therapist
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting enough sleep
• Managing stress

Additional Resources

• National Cancer Institute
• American Cancer Society
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society