Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the more common cancers in the United States. Hodgkin lymphoma is less common. Lymphoma can happen at any age, but some types are more common in young adults and others in older adults.

• Hodgkin lymphoma: has a specific kind of abnormal cell seen under a microscope.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a large group of many different types.
• Slow-growing (indolent) lymphomas: may grow over years and sometimes only need watching at first.
• Fast-growing (aggressive) lymphomas: need treatment soon after diagnosis.
• Your specialist will name your exact type, because treatment depends on it.

Most people with lymphoma have no clear cause. Things that can raise the risk include:

• Getting older (for many types)
• A weakened immune system, such as from HIV, an organ transplant or certain medicines
• Some autoimmune diseases
• Some infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus or H. pylori
• A family history of lymphoma

• Painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin that don't go away
• Fevers without a clear cause
• Drenching night sweats
• Weight loss without trying
• Feeling very tired
• Itching
• Cough, chest pressure or trouble breathing, or a full feeling in the belly
• At your visit, your provider feels for swollen lymph nodes and checks your belly for an enlarged spleen or liver. Many swollen nodes are caused by infections, not cancer.

Lymphoma is confirmed with a biopsy, where a sample of a lymph node or tissue is checked under a microscope. This is done by a specialist.

Lab tests your provider may order include: a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, a comprehensive metabolic panel, LDH, and sometimes tests for HIV and hepatitis.

Scans such as CT or PET scans, and sometimes a bone marrow test, help show where the lymphoma is. We don't do imaging or biopsies at our office; we refer you to trusted partners and review the results with you.

• Treatment is planned by an oncology or hematology specialist and depends on the type and stage.
• Options may include watchful waiting for some slow-growing types, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted medicines, radiation, or stem cell transplant.
• Eat well, stay as active as you can, and rest when you need to.
• Tell your care team about side effects early; many can be eased.
• Emotional support matters. Support groups, counseling and loved ones can help.

Many types of lymphoma respond well to treatment, and some can be cured. Others are managed over time like a long-term condition.

Every person's situation is different. Your specialist is the best person to talk with about what to expect for your type.

Your primary care team at Moaddel Medical checks symptoms, orders labs, and refers you to our hematology and oncology partner, Wellness Oncology & Hematology (Dr. Omid Shaye, Dr. Ashkan Lashkari and Dr. Christopher Ho; wellnessoncology.com), for biopsy, scans and treatment.

We stay involved: we help coordinate your care, manage your other health conditions, and answer questions along the way.

We're at 7230 Medical Center Dr, Suite 100, West Hills, CA 91307.