Advanced Cancer Care in Phoenix, AZ
You deserve the absolute best in cancer care – and at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’re proud to provide some of the most advanced cancer treatments in the world from six state-of-the-art facilities. We treat patients facing virtually every form of cancer throughout Payson, Scottsdale, Glendale, and the greater Phoenix area, and our treatment team takes a compassionate approach to care. If you’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma, the first step to recovery is to educate yourself on your condition.
Common Questions About Lymphoma
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma refers to cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system. Lymphoma occurs when lymphocytes begin to grow abnormally and rapidly, clogging the lymph system. THere are two primary types of lymphoma: Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). HL is marked by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, a type of giant cancer cell, while NHL does not produce Reed-Sternberg cells.
What symptoms can lymphoma cause?
Lymphoma can cause a variety of different symptoms depending on the specific type of lymphoma, the stage of the condition, and a variety of other factors. A few of the most common symptoms of lymphoma include:
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the arms, neck, or groin
- Headaches
- Persistent cough
- Fever
- Itchy skin
- Night Sweats
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
The primary diagnostic test is a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the body and looking at it under a microscope. There are three main types of biopsy used to diagnose lymphoma:
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A thin, hollow needle is inserted into a lymph node to
collect cells for examination
- Incisional Biopsy: A surgeon will remove part of a lymph node for examination
- Excisional Biopsy: A surgeon removes an entire lymph node for examination
While FNAs are minimally invasive, they may not provide sufficient tissue to make a clear diagnosis. Incisional and excisional biopsies are more invasive, but almost always provide a big enough sample for a conclusive diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for lymphoma?
Treatment options for lymphoma vary greatly from patient to patient, and the options available depend on the specific type of lymphoma, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s personal medical history. Localized treatments like surgery or radiation therapy may be used to treat lymphoma by removing a lymph node surgically or using radiation therapy to eliminate cancer cells in a lymph node, and surgical removal of the spleen may be necessary if the cancer spreads there. However, because lymphoma doesn’t start as a “tumor” in the traditional sense, most patients need a whole-body treatment such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Phoenix, AZ Cancer Center
Getting diagnosed with lymphoma or any other form of cancer can be a truly difficult experience – but with the right cancer treatment team on your side, there’s always hope. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’re proud to help patients fight cancer every day through world-class treatments, and we would be thrilled to do the same for you. Contact us today to learn more about our cancer centers and to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you beat lymphoma and start down the road to recovery
