Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

What Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, occurs when lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s white blood cells, grow abnormally and create tumors.

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The difference between these two types depends on the type of lymphocytes involved.

The types of lymphoma have very different disease progressions and treatments, so an accurate diagnosis is imperative for effective treatment.

Learn more about non-Hodgkin lymphoma causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Why Choose Us for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Care

State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment

RWJBarnabas Health, in partnership with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meets the highest standards in cancer research, treatment, prevention and education in the nation. We offer the most advanced treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation, blood and marrow or stem cell transplants, immunotherapy and access to clinical trials.

New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists

We are New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists, including nationally and internationally recognized hematologists/oncologists, radiation oncologists, advanced practice nurses and certified oncology support professionals with advanced credentials in cancer specialty care with expertise in blood cancers.

Oncology Nurse Navigators Guide You Through Your AML Journey

Nurse navigators help secure appointments, coordinate follow-up visits related to treatments and procedures, and guide you through aspects of survivorship.

To contact one of New Jersey’s best blood cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Symptoms

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Night sweats
• Unexpected weight loss

Patients are encouraged to seek medical care at the first sign of non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms, and especially if they persist. An early diagnosis can increase the chances of improved outcomes.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosis

If you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and physical exam, gathering important information regarding how long you have had symptoms, what types of symptoms you have had, and if you have been exposed to any risk factors. The following tests may be used to make a diagnosis:

• Blood tests. Used to examine the blood for signs of cancer.
• Imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET). Used to see if non-Hodgkin lymphoma has spread to other parts of the body.
• Lymph node biopsy. A suspicious lymph node is removed and sent to the laboratory where it is examined for cancer cells.
• Bone marrow tests. A sample of bone marrow is removed from the hip and sent to the laboratory where it is examined for hon-Hodgkin lymphoma cells.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

RWJBarnabas Health cancer specialists work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive, individualized care for patients.

We offer a variety of non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment options. Your team will determine which non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment options are right for you.

Our specialists will create a customized care plan based on:

• The type of lymphoma
• The size of the tumor or tumors
• What parts of the body the lymphoma is affecting
• Symptoms you are experiencing
• Whether the cancer is aggressive or slow-growing

There are more treatment options than ever before for people with lymphoma, including:

• Chemotherapy. Chemicals are used to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy. Radiation is used to kill cancer cells. It may be combined with chemotherapy.
• Blood and marrow transplants or stem cell transplant. Cancerous cells or stem cells are replaced with healthy ones, which then regenerate healthy blood and bone marrow.
• Immunotherapy (including monoclonal antibodies). Uses the body’s immune system to locate and kill cancer cells.

Surgery is rarely used to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Palliative or supportive care is often included to treat low blood cell counts, infections, and other complications that lymphoma symptoms can cause.

The non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival rate is continuing to increase. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients generally have a 5-year survival rate of more than 70 percent.

Clinical Trials

In some cases, clinical trials may be offered to provide access to promising new treatment options that are not available anywhere else in the state. Each trial has specific eligibility criteria, and criteria vary amongst trials. Patients collaborate with their physician before participating in a clinical trial. In some cases, diagnostic tests may be needed to determine if patients meet clinical study criteria.

View Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Clinical Trials

Questions? Contact Us

Your team at RWJBarnabas Health is here to address any questions or concerns that you might have. We will help you understand how you will feel and function after treatment, and if you will have to change any of your normal activities.

Together, you and your RWJBarnabas Health care team will craft a treatment plan that is right for you.

To contact one of New Jersey’s best blood cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.