Lymphoma

The specialists at Houston Methodist are worldwide leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma and other blood cancers. Our team provides advanced lymphoma care at eight cancer center locations across the Greater Houston area. 

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes that first affects your white blood cells, called B lymphocytes (B cells) or, less commonly, T lymphocytes (T cells). Because white blood cells produce antibodies to fight infection, their mutation can severely weaken the immune system. 

Lymphoma includes two main types: 

 

• Hodgkin lymphoma – If, during biopsy, your pathologist identifies mutated B lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells, you will be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is rare. 
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – If Reed-Sternberg cells are not present during biopsy, you will be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the seventh-most diagnosed cancer in the U.S.

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Blood Cancer

Our multidisciplinary team of experts provides advanced care, delivered with a personalized approach. Oncology nurse navigators guide you through every stage of your lymphoma care, from diagnosis through treatment.  

Our hematologists, oncologists and other specialists work together to develop a tailored treatment plan specific to your unique needs. We use advanced diagnostics and treatment options — including molecular testing, immunotherapy and stem cell transplant — to slow and halt your cancer quickly while preserving your ongoing health. 

Our pioneering research and clinical trials have resulted in new therapies developed to treat and cure cancer. Houston Methodist patients may access clinical trials offering promising treatments not available to the general public. 

Houston Methodist Hospital is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for cancer. In addition, we are considered high performing by U.S. News & World Report for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

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A risk factor is anything that increases your odds of developing lymphoma, including genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. It is important to be aware of your individual risk factors. 

Risk factors vary by the type of lymphoma. Common risk factors include: 

 

• Age – Some lymphomas such as Hodgkin lymphoma are common in younger people, but most occur in people in their 60s or older. 
• Autoimmune diseases – Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren syndrome — and the drugs used to treat them — may heighten the risk for certain lymphoma types. 
• Chemical exposure – Long-term exposure to pesticides and petrochemicals may increase your risk. 
• Family history – Your risk of developing lymphoma is increased if a family member has had the disease. 
• Geography – Hodgkin lymphoma is less common in Asian countries. 
• HIV/AIDS – Infection with HIV/AIDS causes a weakened immune system and may heighten your risk. 
• Mononucleosis – People who had mononucleosis — an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus — are at increased risk. 
• Radiation exposure – Exposure to high levels of radiation — such as in a nuclear accident — increases your risk. 
• Race and sex – Some forms of lymphoma are more prevalent depending on your race or sex. 

 

One or more risk factors does not guarantee you will develop lymphoma. At the same time, having few or no risk factors does not guarantee you won’t develop the disease. To discuss your specific risks and prevention tactics, book an appointment with one of our specialists.

Identify Lymphoma Symptoms Sooner

Lymphoma occurs when your DNA mutates and instructs your cells to grow and multiply in an abnormal way. This change seriously impacts your normal cell function and production.  

When this happens, you may experience symptoms very similar to other, more common diseases. When you notice a new or persistent symptom, it is important to identify the root cause. 

Lymphoma symptoms often vary, depending on the type and location of the lymphoma. Common symptoms include: 

 

• Chest pain and persistent cough – When lymphoma affects the thymus gland or lymph nodes in the chest, it can cause chest pain, coughing or trouble breathing due to pressure on the airway or lungs. 
• Fatigue and weakness – General fatigue and a feeling of weakness are common as the body's energy reserves are depleted. 
• Fever and night sweats – Recurrent fevers and excessive night sweats, often drenching, are common systemic symptoms. 
• Itchy skin – Persistent itching, known as pruritus, can be a symptom, particularly in Hodgkin lymphoma. 
• Loss of appetite – Reduced appetite and subsequent weight loss can be signs of lymphoma. 
• Swollen lymph nodes – Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin is the most common symptom. These enlarged nodes can become tender or painful over time. 
• Unexplained weight loss – Significant and unintentional weight loss can occur in advanced stages of lymphoma. 

 

The only way to know for sure what is causing a particular symptom is to see your physician. The early detection of lymphoma allows for timely intervention and treatment. 

Sophie Hoelscher was in her 20s, recently engaged, planning a wedding and moving into a new house when she was diagnosed with bulky Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She received advanced treatment from her team of experts at Houston Methodist. “They saved my life here,” Sophie says.  Read Sophie’s Story ➝