Lymphoma is the most common hematologic cancer (blood cancer). It occurs in lymphocytes (white blood cells). Your lymphatic system makes lymphocytes to help your immune system fight infections.

There are two main types of lymphoma:

• Hodgkin lymphoma: Abnormally large lymphocytes called Reed-Sternberg cells form in your lymph nodes. These cancerous cells travel through your bloodstream. 
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: This blood cancer develops in your lymphatic system. There are more than 60 subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Lymphoma symptoms vary depending on the type. Early symptoms are often mild and can be easy to dismiss.

Common Symptoms

Signs of lymphoma include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes (that aren’t painful) in your neck, armpits or groin
• Fatigue and fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss

Changes (mutations) in the genetic makeup of blood-forming cells cause blood cancers like lymphomas.

A cell mutation (change) causes abnormal lymphocytes to multiply faster or live longer than healthy lymphocytes. These cancerous white blood cells travel through your bloodstream and lymphatic system. They may settle in your lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and organs.

Other factors that can increase your risk of lymphoma include:

Our blood cancer specialists expertly perform biopsies to diagnose lymphoma. Your provider may remove tissue from an enlarged lymph node or the entire node. A lab checks the sample for cancer cells.

If a biopsy indicates lymphoma, you may also get these tests:

• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: Your provider removes blood and a tiny piece of bone from inside your hip bone. A lab examines the sample to determine the cancer stage.
• Imaging tests: Medical imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, can show an enlarged spleen or lymph nodes that may indicate cancer. 

Lymphoma treatments depend on the type, stage and symptoms. The goal is to put the cancer into remission, which means you have no signs of the disease. We offer a complete range of advanced lymphoma treatments.