Lymphoma
Our Approach to Lymphoma Treatment
With lymphoma, patients have enlarged lymph nodes filled with cancer cells. This rare cancer also is called cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the part of your body that helps fight off diseases. There are many different types of lymphoma. They are categorized as Hodgkin’s lymphoma or Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. MaineHealth Cancer Care Network specialists offer comprehensive services for lymphoma that include early detection, diagnostic imaging, and personalized treatment.
Finding a Lymphoma Specialist
The list below shows which doctors may be involved in your cancer care. Select the type of specialist you're looking for to find a provider in your area.
- Medical oncologists treating lymphoma use medicine (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, biotherapy and/or immunotherapy) rather than radiation.
- Surgeons treating lymphoma focus on the surgical management of the disease.
- Radiation oncologists use high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.
- Cancer Patient Navigators make sure you have everything you need to make informed decisions about your care.
Why do I need so many doctors?
It is important that cancer specialists highly trained in their area of care participate in evaluating your diagnosis and planning your treatment.
Lymphoma symptoms
A person with lymphoma may have a variety of symptoms. The symptoms can mirror other conditions. So it is important to see your primary care provider if you are having any of these signs:
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Enlarged lymph nodes
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Swollen abdomen (belly)
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Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
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Shortness of breath or coughing
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Fever
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Unexplained weight loss
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Night sweats
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Extreme tiredness
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Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Variety of tests help to diagnose lymphoma
In addition to a physical exam and providing a medical history, patients may undergo a biopsy of the affected area. Other tests include:
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Routine blood work
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Bone marrow biopsy X-rays
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CT scan
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MRI
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Ultrasound
Your doctor will discuss treatment options
If you are diagnosed with lymphoma, your healthcare provider will discuss your treatment options with you. You may be referred to an oncologist, a doctor that specializes in cancer treatment. The main types of treatment options are:
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Chemotherapy
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Immunotherapy
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Targeted therapy
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Radiation
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Stem cell transplant
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Surgery