8 VITALITY Winter 2024 If you have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), you probably have questions about your condition and how it’s treated. Here are the basics. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma explained NHL is a type of cancer that develops in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which belong to your immune system. Lymph tissue is found in many places in your body, including: ● Adenoids and tonsils. ● Bone marrow. ● Digestive system. ● Lymph nodes. ● Spleen. ● Thymus (an organ behind your breastbone). NHL can appear in any of these sites, and it can affect two types of lymphocytes: ● B lymphocytes, or B cells, protect you from illness by making antibodies, which flag germ cells so the immune system can destroy them. ● T lymphocytes, or T cells, help direct how your immune system’s cells behave. They also can kill germs and other potentially dangerous cells. If you’ve been diagnosed with NHL, your doctor will talk to you about the cancer’s progress. Stage I means the cancer is very localized and hasn’t spread. Stage IV means the cancer has spread to other organs outside of the lymph system. To determine the stage of your NHL, your doctor will examine you and perform tests and procedures. These might include blood and imaging tests and a lymph node or bone marrow biopsy. Questions to ask Talk with your doctor and other members of your health care team about your NHL diagnosis. Write down a list of questions, and take notes during your doctor visits. Information about cancer treatment can be confusing, so be sure to ask follow-up questions until you understand. Here are several questions to ask your doctor: ● What stage is my lymphoma? ● How soon should I start treatment? ● Do I need a second opinion? If so, can you recommend another provider or a cancer center? ● What are my treatment options? ● How will I prepare for treatment? ● How successful do you think the treatment will be? ● What should I do if the lymphoma returns after treatment? ● What are the risks and possible side effects of the treatment? ● How long will it take for me to recover? ● What precautions should I take during and after treatment? Sources: American Cancer Society; CancerCare; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Questions for your health care provider Get the care you need Are you concerned about your health? Make an appointment with one of our expert providers. Call 417-328-6010 or visit citizensmemorial.com.
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