non hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The information in this section about non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can help you talk with members of your healthcare team and take an active role in your treatment. Knowing what to expect and being able to make informed decisions about your cancer treatment are important aspects of coping with your disease. You can skim sections to find what you want to read now - and continue reading whenever you're ready for more information.

What You Should Know

• NHL is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
• NHL has many different subtypes.
• NHL subtypes are either indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast growing).
• Hematologists and oncologists are specialists who treat people who have NHL or other types of blood cancer.
• Treatment for people who have NHL may include drug therapy and radiation therapy.

What You Need to Do

• Seek treatment in a cancer center where doctors are experienced treating patients with lymphoma.
• Talk with your doctor about your diagnostic tests and what the results mean.
• Be sure you know your NHL subtype - different subtypes have different treatments.

What Is NHL?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) isn't just one disease. It's actually a diverse group of blood cancers that share a single characteristic in how they develop. NHL generally develops in the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissues. In some cases, NHL involves bone marrow and blood.