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Lymphoma

Overview

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

You can reach the Accredo oncology care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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.

Government Organizations

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Meet the Team

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Why We Do It

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