Lymphoma
Overview
What is lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the immune system and is specifically caused by white blood cells known as lymphocytes that become the cancerous cells. Lymphocytes can be found primarily in the lymph nodes and are part of the lymphatic system (spleen, thymus, etc.). The two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are differentiated by the presence of Reed Sternberg cells, which are only present in Hodgkin lymphoma.
How common is lymphoma cancer
While Hodgkin Lymphoma occurs less frequently than non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, it is one of the most curable forms of cancer. It is estimated there will be approximately 8,260 new cases of Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2017 with the cancer primarily impacting more men than women.1 Hodgkin Lymphoma is most frequently diagnosed in younger adults in their 20’s, early 30’s and for older adults into their 50’s.
Risk factors for developing Hodgkin lymphoma may be a few of the following but please note people may have Hodgkin lymphoma and not have any risk factors.
Hodgkin lymphoma risk factors
- Family member with history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- HIV
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Age
- Gender
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma occurs more frequently than Hodgkin Lymphoma and is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. It is estimated there will be approximately 72,420 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with more men being diagnosed than women.2 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is commonly diagnosed in adults in their 60’s and 70’s and of Caucasian descent.
Risk factors for developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma are similar to Hodgkin lymphoma. As with Hodgkin lymphoma, people with no risk factors listed may still have non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Below are some common risk factors:
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk factors
- Suppressed immune system
- HIV
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Exposure to certain chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides
- Gender
- Age
- Ethnic origin
Other Types of Lymphoma
- Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
- Follicular Lymphoma
- Burkitt Lymphoma
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Cutaneous Lymphoma
- Mycosis Fungoides
- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
- Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma
- Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)
- Hepatosplenic Lymphoma
- Hereditary Lymphoma
- There are over 30 more subtypes not listed
Questions regarding your lymphoma therapy
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1. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/livibd.html, accessed 07/21/2017
2. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/livibd.html, accessed 07/21/2017
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of lymphoma
The symptoms for lymphoma may at times be the same symptoms for a typical infection as the lymph nodes tend to swell for almost any type of infections. If the symptoms persist for a longer period of time, this may be a sign of lymphoma.
Below are a few types of the most common symptoms associated with Lymphoma
- Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Skin itchiness
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Abnormal night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or swelling in the abdomen
How is it diagnosed
As symptoms for lymphoma are known for occurring in common infections, a thorough examination will be conducted by your doctor to determine whether or not you may have lymphoma. Part of the examination may include knowing your personal and family history, how long you have been experiencing symptoms, and using the following tools to assist in diagnosing:
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
- MRI
- CT Scan
- PET Scan
- X-rays
Medications
Lymphoma
Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for lymphoma, dispenses specialty and non-specialty lymphoma medications including (but not limited to):
Drug | Generic/Biosimilar | Manufacturer |
---|---|---|
Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) | Seattle Genetics | |
Bendeka® (bendamustine hydrochloride) | Teva | |
Folotyn® (pralatrexate) | Spectrum Pharmaceuticals | |
Gazyva (obinutuzumab) | Genentech | |
Intron A® (interferon alpha-2b, recombinant) | Merck | |
Istodax® (romidepsin) | Celgene | |
Opdivo® (nivolumab) | Bristol Myers Squibb | |
Revlimid ® (lenalidomide) | Celgene | |
Rituxan® (rituximab) | Genentech | |
Rituxan Hycela™ (rituximab; hyaluronidase | Genentech | |
Targretin® (bexarotene) | Generic(s) Available | Valeant |
Treanda® (bendamustine) | Cephalon | |
Valchlor® (mechlorethamine) | Actelion | |
Velcade® (bortezomib) | Takeda | |
Zolinza® (vorinostat) | Merck |
Accredo also dispenses traditional chemotherapy medications ordered by your prescriber which may not be listed above.
Financing Your Care
Financial assistance coordination may be available to help with your medication costs, including manufacturer and community programs. Accredo representatives are available to help find a program that may work for you.
Financial Guidance
Life-saving specialty medication can be expensive. Learn how the Accredo teams help individuals find ways to afford the medication they need to survive in this video.
Find Support
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for leukemia. See below for a few of those organizations.
LymphomaOrganizations
Cancer Support Organizations
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for cancer. See below for a few of those organizations.
- American Cancer Society
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Association of Cancer Online Resources
- Cancer Support Community
- Livestrong Foundation
- OncoLink
- National Foundation for Cancer Research
- Prevent Cancer Foundation
- Conquer Cancer Foundation
- Inspire.com
- CancerCare
- Cancer GRACE
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Patient Advocate Foundation
Government Organizations
Meet the Team
Accredo’s oncology care team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions.
Why We Do It
Accredo supports patients with chronic and complex conditions and helps them live their best life. Watch our video to learn why we do what we do for our patients.