About Lymphomas

Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:

• Painless lump/enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue
• Unexplained fatigue
• Fever without an obvious reason (ie: viral infection)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Shortness of breath 

Factors that can increase the risk of lymphoma include:

• Developing certain infections. Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection/mononucleosis, T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1), and Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) can directly affect the DNA of lymphocytes, helping to transform them into cancer cells.
• Your age. Some types of lymphoma are more common in young adults, while others are most often diagnosed in people over the age of 55.
• Your gender. Males are slightly more likely to develop lymphoma than are females.
• Your race. White males are more likely than males of African American and Asian American descent to develop lymphoma in the United States.
• Family history. The risk of lymphoma increases if there has been a first-degree relative (parent, child, sibling) diagnosed with lymphoma.
• Having a weakened immune system. Lymphoma is more commonly seen in people with immune system diseases or in people who take drugs that suppress their immune system.
• Autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren disease, and celiac disease are some autoimmune diseases that have been linked with an increased risk of certain lymphomas.
• Bodyweight and diet. People who are overweight or obese or those who eat a diet high in fat and meats may be at a higher risk for certain lymphomas.

Staging is a way of describing where the lymphoma is located, if or where it has spread, and whether it is affecting other parts of the body. Knowing the stage helps the doctor to decide what kind of treatment is best. It can also predict the patient’s chance of recovery (prognosis).

Your hematologist will recommend a personalized lymphoma treatment plan for you based on the type of lymphoma you have, its stage, how quickly it's growing and overall prognosis. In some cases, treatment may not begin right away. Learn more about treatment options for both types of lymphoma. 

In recent years, clinical research has created steady advancement in the treatment of lymphoma thanks to patients who are willing to participate in trials that prove the safety and effectiveness of new and better therapies. The hematology oncologists at Compass Oncology continue to actively participate in multiple clinical trials that focus on treating lymphoma and other blood cancers. Contact us today to learn more about the lymphoma clinical trials available in the Portland-Vancouver area.