I Have Lymphoma: Which Treatment Is Best?

Lymphoma is a group of cancers originating in blood cells within your lymphatic system, the system of organs, tissues, and vessels that balances fluids and helps fight infections. Over 879,000 people in the United States live with or are in remission from lymphoma, which occurs because of DNA mutations in cells called lymphocytes. These cells normally fight diseases, but cancer-affected lymphocytes can grow out of control or gather in your lymph nodes.

Our team of expert oncologists at Arizona Center for Cancer Care treat lymphoma and leukemia with today’s leading cancer treatment strategies. Before recommending treatment, they evaluate your cancer with a physical exam, possible imaging tests, and tissue biopsy. For world-class lymphoma care, visit our offices in Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Apache Junction, Sun City, Sun City West, Goodyear, or Tempe, Arizona. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma,  you might wonder which therapies best align with your needs. Treatments are provided on an individualized basis: What works for someone else might not be your best option. In this blog, you’ll learn about various treatments for lymphoma to give you insight into what you might expect. 

Distinguishing different lymphoma types

There are more than 70 different lymphoma subtypes, but all fall into one of two major categories – Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They’re classified based on whether a specific cell type, called a Reed-Sternberg cell, is present when viewing the cancer cells under a microscope. 

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma may show up earlier in life, typically diagnosed between ages 20-39 or after age 65. It typically affects the lymph nodes between your lungs or in your neck. 

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more commonly diagnosed in people ages 60-80. It can spread to almost any area. 

Both lymphoma types share similar initial symptoms, like swollen or painful lymph nodes, and are more common in men than women. 

Our best lymphoma treatment options

Arizona Center for Cancer Care proudly provides best-in-class treatments for Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Our team may recommend more than one treatment within your care plan. They may start with watchful waiting and determine a future time to start cancer treatment. 

Here are four of today’s most effective treatment options for lymphoma:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs or medications to target and kill cancerous cells. 

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy directs energy at cancer cells or tumors to shrink them, including X-rays or  protons. 

Immunotherapy 

Some cancer cells can evade your immune system by hiding using a specific protein. Immunotherapy prevents this protein from hiding cancer cells, so your immune system can attack them. 

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy targets specific active proteins or other cell parts to inhibit the lives of cancer cells. 

Beyond these standard treatments for lymphoma and other cancers, some patients require bone marrow transplants as part of lymphoma treatment. Arizona Center for Cancer Care also has ongoing clinical trials. Our team will let you know if any current clinical trials might apply to your treatment. 

Get in touch with us

Our expert oncologists are ready to assist you with quality lymphoma care. We can stage your cancer and determine the most effective strategy for treatment. Call your nearest Arizona Center for Cancer Care or schedule an appointment online today.