Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphoma

Lymphoma is characterized by the overproduction of malignant lymphocytes. Healthy lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that fight disease and infection. When lymphocytes mutate and grow uncontrollably, they can become cancerous tumors in the lymph nodes and other organs.

Consult your physician if you experience symptoms of lymphoma. They’ll conduct tests to determine a diagnosis and will decide if treatment is needed.

Learn more about how to detect lymphoma and your treatment options.

How to Diagnose Lymphoma

When diagnosing lymphoma, your physician will conduct various tests and may also collaborate with a team of specialists, including oncologists, neurologists, and pathologists.  A biopsy is almost always required to make a diagnosis of lymphoma.

Medical History

If there’s a history of lymphoma in your family, your risk of developing it could increase. However, lymphoma isn’t typically inherited. If you have other medical conditions that weaken your immune system, such as HIV or Epstein-Barr virus, you may be more susceptible to acquiring lymphoma.

Physical Exam

Your physician will conduct a thorough physical exam to determine your overall health. They’ll also check for swollen lymph nodes, usually in areas like your neck, armpits, and groin.

Blood Work

In addition to assessing your general health, blood tests can detect abnormalities in your blood cell counts. For instance, a complete blood count (CBC) analyzes various white blood cells to detect if lymphoma is present. Bloodwork can also test your liver and kidney function and signs of infections.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan (MRI)

Your physician may order an MRI if they suspect lymphoma may have spread to certain areas of your body, such as the spine or brain. This scan uses radio waves and magnets to provide detailed images of your internal structures. An MRI is also helpful in determining the size and location of a tumor.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

A CT scan is another imaging technique your physician may use to look for enlarged lymph nodes in specific areas of your body.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

Your care team will often perform a PET scan in conjunction with a CT scan to search for high metabolic activity. This test can help determine the precise locations of any areas of lymphoma in the body.

Biopsy

The primary method of diagnosing lymphoma is through a biopsy, which involves taking tissue samples to check for cancerous cells. Your physician may order one or more of the following:

• Lymph Node or Mass Biopsy: A standard method for diagnosing lymphoma is to test the cells in your lymph nodes or other masses if they occur outside of lymph nodes. Your specialist will remove part or all of a lymph node or mass and check it for cancerous cells.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A specialist inserts a thin needle into a bone to extract a bone marrow sample. A pathologist then examines the cells for signs of lymphoma or other cancers.

How to Treat Lymphoma

Lymphoma treatment options vary depending on the type of lymphoma, its location and size, and your overall health.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the power of your immune system to target cancer cells. Specific drugs, such as monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies and antibody drug conjugates, can enable your immune system to target and destroy the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Your care team will administer specific medications to kill cancer cells in your body. You’ll usually take these drugs orally or intravenously.

Targeted Therapy

This form of therapy targets specific cancer cells. Learn more about clinical trials for targeted drug therapy at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful rays to kill or shrink cancerous cells. During lymphoma treatment, your oncologist directs the radiation at the affected lymph nodes to eradicate them.

CAR T-cell Therapy

This method is sometimes used for relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. CAR T-cell therapy engineers your body’s T cells so they can recognize and attack cancerous cells.

Learn more about CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma.

Stem Cell Transplantation

In certain instances, your physician may recommend a stem cell or bone marrow transplant to resume the production of healthy blood cells.

Surgery

Surgery for lymphoma isn’t a standard practice, but it may be performed to remove a tumor for further diagnosis and classification of the type of lymphoma.

Lymphoma Treatment at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute

The Jon and Jo Ann Hagler Center for Lymphoma provides comprehensive, compassionate care for patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas by integrating the best in clinical care, research, and support services.

View our team of lymphoma specialists or request an appointment today.

Recovery Time After Lymphoma Treatment

How quickly you recover from lymphoma treatment depends on factors such as your overall health, how well you respond to treatment, and how compromised your immune system is. Many people experience fatigue and lack of strength for months following treatment. However, you can take steps to accelerate your recovery. Physical activity, a healthy diet, and regular checkups can help with recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.