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CANCER SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Lymphoma

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How is Lymphoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

If you’re displaying symptoms of lymphoma, your doctor will begin the diagnostic process by asking when you began noticing changes, along with questions about your medical history and your family’s medical history. Your doctor will then conduct a physical exam, paying close attention to your lymph nodes.

Afterward, several tests may be used to diagnose lymphoma:

  • Blood test: The number of cells in your blood can help your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms
  • Biopsy: Your doctor may remove all or part of your lymph node to test for lymphoma. They may also order a bone marrow biopsy. This occurs most often in cases where lymphoma has already been diagnosed, and they must determine how far it has spread.
  • Imaging tests: Your doctor may order imaging tests including an MRI, CT scan, or PET scan to determine if and where lymphoma has spread

How is Lymphoma Treated?

Treatments

Lymphoma treatment varies depending on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the preferences and overall health of the patient. The goal of treatment is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible.

Treatment for lymphoma may include:

  • Chemotherapy: This is the most common treatment for patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and, depending on your situation, may be used alone or combined with other treatments. The drugs can be administered intravenously or in a pill.
  • Radiation therapy: This treatment for lymphoma uses high-powered energy rays to kill cancer cells. It’s often used for early stages of lymphoma or along with chemotherapy for aggressive cases of the disease.
  • Immunotherapy: By boosting a patient’s own immune system, immunotherapy helps kill cancer cells. There are several immunotherapy options used to treat lymphoma, most of which are administered intravenously.
  • Stem cell transplant: Also known as a bone marrow transplant, this treatment for lymphoma may be used following treatment with high doses of chemotherapy to restore healthy bone marrow
  • Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be used to remove lymphoma that develops outside the lymphatic system and has not spread to other organs
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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Lymphoma Treatment

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our doctors understand the importance of treating the whole patient, not just their cancer. With a comprehensive healthcare plan, we can efficiently and compassionately diagnose and treat lymphomas of every stage. A thorough understanding of blood cancer symptoms and the needs of lymphoma patients allow us to provide the highest level of care possible.