Lymphoma

According to the American Cancer Society, lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., with about 80,500 Americans diagnosed this year. But at the Hoag Cancer Center, we're working hard every day to find the research, treatments, techniques and cures that will help make lymphoma a disease of the past. For now, we believe every patient deserves to be free of lymphoma so they can get on with life, healthy and strong. With Hoag in your corner, you can.

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    Lymphoma Care at Hoag

    According to the American Cancer Society, Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most treatable types of cancer, with 5-year survival rates as high as 87 percent. There's plenty of reason to be hopeful, and with Hoag in your corner, there's even more. Hoag is Orange County's top choice for cancer treatment, thanks to next-generation procedures that produce next-level results, world-class technology for a faster and more complete recovery and an oncology team that's second to none at treating and beating cancer.

    Common Questions

    What is lymphoma? 

    Lymphoma is a kind of blood-related cancer that occurs in the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Healthy lymphocytes help you fight infection, and are transported throughout the body by the lymphatic system, which includes the spleen, thymus gland, bone marrow and hundreds of bean-sized structures called lymph nodes, which help trap toxins in the blood. 

    There are two main types of lymphoma: 

    • Hodgkin lymphoma: a type of lymphoma that includes Reed-Sternberg cells (AKA Hodgin cells), which are abnormal lymphocytes characterized by their large size and multiple nuclei. As these abnormal cells accumulate in the body, they can lead to tumors.
    • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A type of lymphoma that doesn’t include the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

    What are the symptoms of lymphoma?

    The symptoms of lymphoma can be different for every patient, but common symptoms can include: 

    • Swollen lymph nodes, often in the groin, armpit or neck
    • Unexplained weight loss, night sweats or fatigue
    • Feeling bloated
    • Flu-like body pain
    • Loss of appetite
    • Persistent coughing
    • Itching without the occurrence of a rash
    • Recurring infections

    What are the risk factors for lymphoma?

    There are a number of factors that are believed to increase your risk of developing lymphomas. 

    For Hodgkin lymphoma, risk factors may include: 

    • Being younger or older, as most cases of lymphoma either occur between the ages of 15-40 (most common in a person’s 20s) or after age 55.  
    • Exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam
    • Family history
    • Smoking
    • Infection with AIDS or the Epstein-Barr virus 

    For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, risk factors may include: 

    • Being older than 60
    • Exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam
    • On-the-job exposure to chemicals including herbicides, benzene and pesticides
    • Smoking
    • Previous treatment for cancer with radiation or chemotherapy
    • Infection with Helicobacter pylori or HCV, a virus that causes hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver)

    How can I reduce my risk of developing lymphoma? 

    Though there’s no known strategy to completely eliminate your chance of developing lymphoma, there are a few steps you can take that might reduce your risk: 

    • Wearing a correctly-rated respirator and other protective gear with dealing with herbicides, pesticides, benzene and other chemicals on the job
    • Keeping a healthy immune system by not smoking, eating a proper diet and getting regular exercise
    • Wearing a condom during sex, and taking other steps to avoid contracting HIV/AIDs or Hepatitis C

    How is lymphoma diagnosed?
    If you are experiencing any symptoms that might suggest lymphoma — particularly swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpit or groin — see your doctor right away.  Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and family history. This will likely be followed by a thorough physical exam and bloodwork. 

    Depending on the outcome of those tests, your doctor may refer you for other tests that may include: 

    • Surgical biopsy, in which a small sample of lymph node tissue is taken for testing
    • More thorough blood tests
    • Imaging tests, that may include X-rays, CT scans or MRIs
    • Surgery to remove a lymph node so it can be tested in a lab
    • Sampling your bone marrow for testing, which is performed by inserting a needle into your hip bone to reach the pulpy marrow inside.
    Common Questions

    I’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma. Now what do I do?

    After diagnosis, your doctor will talk to you about your current symptoms, discuss treatment options and potentially refer you to a specialist for more tests or surgery.  

    Trust Hoag for your lymphoma treatment. For the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals Rankings named Hoag the highest-ranked hospital in Orange County

    Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator Program

    Hoag is a leader in peace of mind for cancer patients through our Clinical Nurse Navigator program. This unique program provides cancer patients and their families with access to nurses who have specialized training in specific cancers. These nurses serve primarily as facilitators and guides. By answering questions, providing support and serving as a trusted source of science-backed information at each phase of treatment, Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigators are a critical resource for patients during diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  Find more information about the Nurse Navigator Program at this link.

    What are the treatment options for lymphoma?

    Treatment options for lymphoma depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected and any other health issues you may have.  Treatments for lymphoma vary from patient to patient, but may include:  

    • Monitoring and surveillance, in which your doctor sees you on a regular schedule to carefully measure if the cancer has progressed. This tactic is sometimes employed in slow-growing lymphoma cases
    • Bone marrow transplant, which involves neutralizing your natural immune system with chemotherapy and radiation, after which healthy marrow, usually from a suitable donor, is implanted 
    • Radiation therapy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Immunotherapy, which boosts and preps your immune system to fight the cancer
    Services Offered

    Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag 

    At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we’re committed to offering the best support services, resources and educational information to our patients and their families at every stage of their cancer journey. Hoag’s Integrated Cancer Support Services are open to everyone regardless of their prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery. 

    Resources include: 

    Find more information about Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag at this link.

    Are there any clinical trials for lymphoma?

    Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through carefully-planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. View clinical trials for lymphoma here.

    At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and a continuing commitment to protect the interests and well-being of patients.  Contact us at 949-764-4577 to see if joining a clinical trial for lymphoma is right for you.

    Survivorship Support at Hoag

    At Hoag, we understand that a cancer diagnosis may cause you and your family to experience a variety of  significant life changes. We are committed to providing you with support before, during and after treatment. Hoag’s survivorship resources help you navigate through the challenges of telling friends and family about your cancer, working while living with cancer, returning to “normal” after cancer and so much more. We strive to provide you with the resources needed to feel empowered in your everyday life.

    Common Questions

    What is lymphoma? 

    Lymphoma is a kind of blood-related cancer that occurs in the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Healthy lymphocytes help you fight infection, and are transported throughout the body by the lymphatic system, which includes the spleen, thymus gland, bone marrow and hundreds of bean-sized structures called lymph nodes, which help trap toxins in the blood. 

    There are two main types of lymphoma: 

    • Hodgkin lymphoma: a type of lymphoma that includes Reed-Sternberg cells (AKA Hodgin cells), which are abnormal lymphocytes characterized by their large size and multiple nuclei. As these abnormal cells accumulate in the body, they can lead to tumors.
    • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A type of lymphoma that doesn’t include the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

    What are the symptoms of lymphoma?

    The symptoms of lymphoma can be different for every patient, but common symptoms can include: 

    • Swollen lymph nodes, often in the groin, armpit or neck
    • Unexplained weight loss, night sweats or fatigue
    • Feeling bloated
    • Flu-like body pain
    • Loss of appetite
    • Persistent coughing
    • Itching without the occurrence of a rash
    • Recurring infections

    What are the risk factors for lymphoma?

    There are a number of factors that are believed to increase your risk of developing lymphomas. 

    For Hodgkin lymphoma, risk factors may include: 

    • Being younger or older, as most cases of lymphoma either occur between the ages of 15-40 (most common in a person’s 20s) or after age 55.  
    • Exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam
    • Family history
    • Smoking
    • Infection with AIDS or the Epstein-Barr virus 

    For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, risk factors may include: 

    • Being older than 60
    • Exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam
    • On-the-job exposure to chemicals including herbicides, benzene and pesticides
    • Smoking
    • Previous treatment for cancer with radiation or chemotherapy
    • Infection with Helicobacter pylori or HCV, a virus that causes hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver)

    How can I reduce my risk of developing lymphoma? 

    Though there’s no known strategy to completely eliminate your chance of developing lymphoma, there are a few steps you can take that might reduce your risk: 

    • Wearing a correctly-rated respirator and other protective gear with dealing with herbicides, pesticides, benzene and other chemicals on the job
    • Keeping a healthy immune system by not smoking, eating a proper diet and getting regular exercise
    • Wearing a condom during sex, and taking other steps to avoid contracting HIV/AIDs or Hepatitis C

    How is lymphoma diagnosed?
    If you are experiencing any symptoms that might suggest lymphoma — particularly swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpit or groin — see your doctor right away.  Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and family history. This will likely be followed by a thorough physical exam and bloodwork. 

    Depending on the outcome of those tests, your doctor may refer you for other tests that may include: 

    • Surgical biopsy, in which a small sample of lymph node tissue is taken for testing
    • More thorough blood tests
    • Imaging tests, that may include X-rays, CT scans or MRIs
    • Surgery to remove a lymph node so it can be tested in a lab
    • Sampling your bone marrow for testing, which is performed by inserting a needle into your hip bone to reach the pulpy marrow inside.

    Common Questions

    I’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma. Now what do I do?

    After diagnosis, your doctor will talk to you about your current symptoms, discuss treatment options and potentially refer you to a specialist for more tests or surgery.  

    Trust Hoag for your lymphoma treatment. For the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals Rankings named Hoag the highest-ranked hospital in Orange County

    Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator Program

    Hoag is a leader in peace of mind for cancer patients through our Clinical Nurse Navigator program. This unique program provides cancer patients and their families with access to nurses who have specialized training in specific cancers. These nurses serve primarily as facilitators and guides. By answering questions, providing support and serving as a trusted source of science-backed information at each phase of treatment, Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigators are a critical resource for patients during diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  Find more information about the Nurse Navigator Program at this link.

    What are the treatment options for lymphoma?

    Treatment options for lymphoma depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected and any other health issues you may have.  Treatments for lymphoma vary from patient to patient, but may include:  

    • Monitoring and surveillance, in which your doctor sees you on a regular schedule to carefully measure if the cancer has progressed. This tactic is sometimes employed in slow-growing lymphoma cases
    • Bone marrow transplant, which involves neutralizing your natural immune system with chemotherapy and radiation, after which healthy marrow, usually from a suitable donor, is implanted 
    • Radiation therapy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Immunotherapy, which boosts and preps your immune system to fight the cancer

    Services Offered

    Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag 

    At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we’re committed to offering the best support services, resources and educational information to our patients and their families at every stage of their cancer journey. Hoag’s Integrated Cancer Support Services are open to everyone regardless of their prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery. 

    Resources include: 

    Find more information about Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag at this link.

    Are there any clinical trials for lymphoma?

    Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through carefully-planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. View clinical trials for lymphoma here.

    At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and a continuing commitment to protect the interests and well-being of patients.  Contact us at 949-764-4577 to see if joining a clinical trial for lymphoma is right for you.

    Survivorship Support at Hoag

    At Hoag, we understand that a cancer diagnosis may cause you and your family to experience a variety of  significant life changes. We are committed to providing you with support before, during and after treatment. Hoag’s survivorship resources help you navigate through the challenges of telling friends and family about your cancer, working while living with cancer, returning to “normal” after cancer and so much more. We strive to provide you with the resources needed to feel empowered in your everyday life.