Lymphoma Care
When you have cancer, you need a team of support. A diagnosis of lymphoma can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. We are here for you every step of the way through your journey of diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer treatments have progressed significantly in recent years and survivor rates have increased as a result.
Coordinated Team Approach
We provide coordinated care that includes the latest treatments in surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. You are an important part of your care team. Our goal is for you to be involved in the decisions related to your care and to always know the next step.
We want to help you feel healthy again. In addition to the critical medical treatments you will receive, we offer health and wellness services that treat the whole body and mind, promoting physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing.
Learn more about our lymphoma services and what you can expect during your treatment journey. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 231-392-8400 or CancerServices@mhc.net.
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the body’s lymph system.
The lymph system is part of the immune system and helps the body fight infection and disease. Lymph tissue is located throughout the body, so lymphoma can begin almost anywhere.
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured.
With most types of Hodgkin lymphoma, abnormal white blood cells develop in the lymph nodes. These are called Reed-Sternberg cells.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may be either indolent (slow-growing) or aggressive (fast-growing). There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that form from different types of white blood cells – B-cells, T-cells, and NK cells.
The most typical type develops from B-cells. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type in adults and it is usually aggressive. Another common type is follicular lymphoma, which is usually indolent.
Sézary syndrome and mycosis fungoides are types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that start in white blood cells in the skin.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma is rare and starts in white blood cells in the brain, spinal cord, or eye.
Risk Factors
There are few known direct risk factors for lymphoma. However some factors that may increase risk include:
- Severely altered immune function, such as in people who receive immune suppressants to prevent organ transplant rejection.
- Certain infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus.
- Family history moderately increases risk.
- Environmental exposures
- Body weight
Learn More About Lymphoma
- National Cancer Institute - Lymphoma
- National Cancer Institute - Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma
- National Cancer Institute - Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- National Cancer Institute - AIDS-related Lymphoma
- National Cancer Institute - Mycosis Fungoides and the Sezary Syndrome
- National Cancer Institute - Primary CNS Lymphoma
- National Cancer Institute - Childhood Hodgkin Lymphoma
- National Cancer Institute - Childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- American Cancer Society - Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- American Cancer Society - Hodgkin Lymphoma
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network - Patient and Caregiver Resources
What to Expect
Diagnosis
Cancer treatment begins with a diagnosis. Through testing, your care team will determine your type of cancer. These test results will help us develop an individualized treatment plan for you.
We understand that this phase can be very difficult as you are waiting for answers. Our goal is to move you through the diagnostic process as quickly as possible in order to minimize the emotional strain.
Your Treatment Plan
We offer a coordinated approach to care that varies based on your specific needs.
Your case may be discussed at our weekly Tumor Board meetings. This is a multidisciplinary team of physicians and support staff that discusses patients’ care plans and makes recommendations for multiple types of cancer.
After testing and consultations are complete, your oncologist/hematologist will explain to you the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer and discuss treatment.
Treatment for your cancer will depend upon the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Other factors that impact treatment decisions include your age and other health conditions.
Our physicians provide the latest in treatments. When more complex treatments are necessary, we work closely with specialists across the state and nation.
Treatment for lymphoma typically includes chemotherapy and/or radiation. For certain types, stem cell transplant or targeted therapies with antibodies may also be combined with chemotherapy.
Meet our Care Team
We have a team of medical oncologists/hematologists who provide screening, diagnosis, and treatment for lymphoma.
The Cowell Family Cancer Center Support Team
Our care coordination team is here to support you and usually includes a nurse and nurse practitioner who will ensure that your next steps are planned and communicated.
Our compassionate team also includes a dietitian, a social worker, palliative/supportive care providers, and financial navigators to ensure that your individual needs are addressed.
For more information regarding Cowell Family Cancer Center services or to be transferred to a regional network facility, call 231-392-8400 and speak with one of our resource specialists.
Availability of support services varies according to the specific regional cancer network location.