Information From Your Health Care Provider

LYMPHOMAS, NON-HODGKIN'S

(Lymphosarcoma; Reticulum Cell Sarcoma)

Basic information

description

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are a group of closely related cancers that affect the lymphatic system. These cancers can be fast-growing or slow-growing. Hodgkin's disease is a related, yet different type of lymphoma. Lymphoma is a term that describes cancer of the body's lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of the body's immune system that fights infections and diseases. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas tend to occur more often in older adults.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

May not have symptoms when first diagnosed.
Swollen, non-tender, rubbery, distinct lymph nodes anywhere in the body, but most often in the armpit, neck, or groin.
Fevers, night sweats, and weight loss.
Loss of appetite and tiredness (may be severe).
Cough or feeling breathless; itchiness.
Other symptoms may occur if cancer has spread.

causes

Exact cause is unknown. Certain risk factors exist, but most patients with this cancer do not have any known risk factors.

risk increases with

Adults over 40. Males more than females.
Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
Certain infections (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], Epstein-Barr virus id reaction [EBV], helicobacter pylori, human T-cell lymphoma/leukemia virus type 1 [HTLV-1], and hepatitis C virus).
Work that involves exposure to carcinogens (substances known to cause cancer).
Radiation exposure, some autoimmune diseases, and chemotherapy.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures.

expected outcomes

The outcome varies according to the cancer cell type, if it is slow or fast growing, if it has spread, and the individual's age and response to treatment. If one treatment is not working, there may be other options that can be tried. Treatments are constantly improving, so there is hope for cure or remission.

possible complications

Cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
Cancer treatments can weaken the body's immune system, which increases the risk for infections.
Anemia.
Recurrence of cancer after treatment.
Complications could be fatal.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. A variety of medical tests will be done to verify the exact type of cancer cells, the grade (fast or slow growing), and if the cancer has spread (called staging) to other places in the body.
Treatment will depend on the cancer type, grade and location, its stage, your health, age, and preferences. Your health care provider will discuss your specific diagnosis and treatment recommendations with you.
Treatment may include chemotherapy (anticancer drugs), biologic therapy (uses the immune system to treat cancer), radiation therapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, surgery (rarely), and possibly new therapies. Hospital care may be needed for certain treatments or complications.
In some cases, watchful waiting may be an option. This means monitoring the cancer cells for a period of time before deciding on treatment.
Counseling may help you to cope with having cancer.
To learn more: American Cancer Society; (800) ACS-2345; website: www.cancer.org or National Cancer Institute; (800) 4-CANCER; website: www.cancer.gov.

medications

Chemotherapy (anticancer drugs) and/or biologic drugs/agents are often prescribed.
Steroid drugs may be prescribed.
Antibiotics may be needed for an infection.

activity

Stay as active as you can (per medical advice).
Walking and swimming are good ways to exercise.
Avoid crowds and people with infections.

diet

Eating a healthy diet can help you feel better and aid in healing. Consult a dietitian for advice, if needed.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
During treatment, any symptoms cause you concern.