Diagnosis

The diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually requires a variety of exams and tests to confirm the presence of the disease and determine the specific type of lymphoma. The main methods used in the diagnosis of NHL are:

physical exams and medical history
blood tests: these may be performed to check the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, and to look for signs of inflammation that may indicate the presence of lymphoma
lymph node biopsy: this is done to confirm the diagnosis of lymphoma. It involves removing a sample of the lymph node for microscopic analysis
imaging tests: such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be performed to assess the size of the lymphoma and identify affected areas in the body

Treatment

Treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphomas can vary considerably based on the specific type, stage of the disease, the patient’s age, and overall health. Generally, treatment may involve a combination of therapies, including:

chemotherapy: this is the main treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It involves the use of drugs to fight cancer cells
CAR-T: CAR-T therapy is an innovative approach in the treatment of some types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It reprograms the body’s defense cells to fight the disease
radiation therapy: uses high-energy radiation to fight cancer. It is often used to treat specific areas of the body where the cancer is located, such as the lymph nodes themselves
immunotherapy: also known as biological therapy, it may use medications to help the immune system fight cancer. This may include the use of antibodies, targeted therapies, or other approaches

Einstein Oncology and Hematology offers comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment. Learn more.

Prevention

Prevention of non-Hodgkin lymphomas generally involves adopting healthy habits, such as:

maintaining a healthy weight
exercising regularly
avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption

It is also important to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals whenever possible and to practice safety measures at work, especially in environments where there is exposure to substances that may trigger cancer.