Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

It’s common to have swollen lymph nodes with lymphoma. These nodes may feel like lumps under your skin in places like your neck, armpit, or groin. Lymphoma doesn’t always come with symptoms such as this, so it’s important to also look for other signs.

It’s also important to remember that swollen lymph nodes are common with non-cancerous conditions such as a cold, the flu, or mono. If you notice changes in your lymph nodes, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can run tests to find out what’s causing the swelling.

It depends on the type of lymphoma you have. Some forms grow slowly and may not need treatment right away. If there are no symptoms, watchful waiting is a common approach for indolent lymphomas (slow-growing types), such as follicular lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). CLL mainly affects the blood and bone marrow, while SLL involves the lymph nodes, but they are considered the same type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Your hematologic oncologist will closely monitor your health with regular check-ins and blood tests to track your blood counts. If there are signs of the cancer progressing, active treatment may be started.

If you have a faster, more aggressive type of lymphoma, treatments are likely to begin right away.

Survival rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma vary based on the exact type and stage, your age, and your overall health. There are over 70 types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, each with its own prognosis.

For chronic, slow-growing lymphomas, some patients will live with it for the rest of their lives with periodic treatments, if needed. Faster-growing lymphomas are more successfully treated when diagnosed and addressed at an early stage.

Your cancer care team will talk with you about your specific diagnosis, what to expect, and how they plan to treat it. Remember, survival stats are just numbers. Your care is personal, and so is your outcome.

Unlike many other cancers, surgery is not a common treatment for lymphoma. That’s because lymphoma usually travels through the lymphatic system and lymph fluid. This means it’s not isolated to one area of the body. Most people are treated with medical oncology therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. The drug therapies are usually infused through a vein, allowing them to work throughout the entire body. In some cases, surgery might be used to remove a lymph node for testing, but not usually for treatment. Our care team will discuss the personalized treatment plan developed for you based on the type of lymphoma, its stage, and how quickly it’s growing.

Your doctor will use several tools to check if your treatment is working. This might include imaging tests like PET-CT scans, blood tests, and physical exams.

PET scans are able to identify areas where cancer cells are developing in the body, even if there is no tumor. If treatment is working, the scan will show less or no activity in those areas.

Another test called a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test, is also being used to tell if the cancer is responding to treatment. This blood test looks for tiny fragments of tumor DNA. If treatment is effective, ctDNA levels usually drop or disappear. If ctDNA is still present or starts rising again, it could be an early sign that the lymphoma hasn’t fully responded or is returning.

Your oncologist can adjust your treatment plan according to these periodic test results.

Clinical trials can offer access to new treatments for lymphoma that aren’t widely available yet. Breakthrough therapies, such as CAR-T therapy and targeted therapies, were recently introduced to all patients with certain types of lymphomas thanks to clinical research studies.

At RMCC, we participate in numerous blood cancer clinical trials, allowing patients to explore innovative options beyond standard care. Not everyone will qualify, but our team will carefully review your diagnosis, stage, and medical history to see if a trial could be a good fit for you. Your hematologic oncologist will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and what to expect, so you can make an informed decision.

For over 30 years, RMCC has been a trusted leader in delivering world-class cancer care across Colorado. Our hematologists, who treat a wide range of blood conditions, are also highly trained oncologists specializing in the treatment of all types of lymphoma. With each diagnosis, our team comes together to discuss the recommended treatment approach, the timing of treatments, and opportunities for participating in clinical research.

Our hematologic oncologists also stay at the forefront of blood cancer research and treatments, offering care that is innovative, evidence-based, and personalized for each patient. Our entire team works closely with you to create a plan that addresses your diagnosis, personal preferences, and quality of life.

The cost of treatment varies based on your diagnosis, insurance coverage, and treatment plan. Our financial counselors will walk you through your insurance benefits and provide a clear picture of what will be covered, along with any out-of-pocket expenses.

Choosing a cancer center like RMCC can also help lower your costs. According to the Community Oncology Alliance, cancer treatment at oncology practices such as RMCC cost up to 50% less than at a hospital-affiliated outpatient department.

Lower cost doesn’t mean lower quality. RMCC delivers the same advanced treatments, technologies, and personalized care you’d find in a hospital setting—often at a more affordable price and closer to home.