A lymphoma diagnosis is a life-changing event. It can bring many questions about your health, treatment options, and what comes next. At Cancer Specialists of North Florida, our experienced oncology team provides personalized lymphoma treatment in Jacksonville, FL, offering expert cancer care close to home.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma Treatment in Jacksonville, FL
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. As with any cancer diagnosis, learning you’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma can be intimidating. At Cancer Specialists of North Florida, our experienced oncology team is here to help. For more than 30 years, we’ve provided expert, patient-centered lymphoma treatment in Jacksonville, FL and the surrounding areas.
Signs & Symptoms
In its earliest stages, lymphoma may not cause any symptoms. However, some of the common signs and symptoms of lymphoma include:
- Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin
- Fevers
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Night sweats
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Itchy skin in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma
Fever, weight loss, and night sweats are often referred to as “B symptoms,” which are used when diagnosing and staging lymphoma. It’s important to note that not everyone with these symptoms has lymphoma. However, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of lymphoma is not yet fully understood. However, there are several risk factors that may contribute to its development, including:
- Family history
- Weakened immune system or an autoimmune condition
- Infection, including HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, Hepatitis C, Helicobacter pylori, and others
- Age
- For Non-Hodgkin lymphoma the risk increases as you get older, with about half of people diagnosed over the age of 65.
- For Hodgkin lymphoma, cases are predominantly seen in young adults, between 20-40 years old, and in people over 55
Screening & Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose lymphoma is with a physical exam by your healthcare provider to check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
If lymphoma is suspected, we may recommend additional testing, such as blood tests or imaging tests. A biopsy of an affected lymph node is often needed to confirm a lymphoma diagnosis and determine its specific type.
Types & Stages
There are two main types of lymphoma:
- Hodgkin lymphoma – This is an uncommon form of lymphoma identified by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. It usually begins in the lymph nodes of the neck, chest, and armpits and eventually progresses to other lymph nodes. It can often be detected and treated early.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – This is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma, and has many types that often begin in the B cells or T cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is classified by how quickly it spreads. Indolent lymphomas grow and spread slowly and may not need treatment right away. Aggressive lymphomas grow and spread quickly and usually need treatment as soon as possible.
If you’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma, the next step is to determine the cancer’s extent, or the stage. Lymphoma stages range from I to IV. Our team will use the stage to help create your personalized treatment plan.
Lymphoma Treatment Options
At Cancer Specialists of North Florida, we take a multidisciplinary approach to lymphoma treatment. Our team of lymphoma experts works together to deliver personalized, community-based treatment with a focus on accessibility, faster answers, and meaningful patient relationships.
Depending on your diagnoses, your treatment plan may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Clinical trials
Beyond medical treatment, we also provide access to supportive services to aid in your recovery. From clinical trials and nutrition support to counseling services and financial assistance, our cancer care extends beyond medicine.
Why Choose Cancer Specialists of North Florida For Lymphoma Treatment
When you choose Cancer Specialists of North Florida for your lymphoma treatment in Jacksonville, FL, you have access to the most advanced cancer therapies available, designed to specifically target your type of lymphoma. With over 30 years of experience, our multidisciplinary team works together to develop personalized treatment plans to support you through every stage of your journey.
Find The Nearest Location for Lymphoma Treatment
At Cancer Specialists of North Florida, we want to make it easier for you to find the cancer care you need close to home. We have 11 convenient locations across Jacksonville, FL and the surrounding area, meaning you can spend less time traveling and more time focusing on your health and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a lump is lymphoma?
Lumps under the skin are the most common symptom of lymphoma, often caused by swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin. However, swollen lymph nodes are common and can have many causes, including infections, so a lump does not necessarily mean you have lymphoma. It’s impossible to tell if a lymph node is cancerous simply by feeling it. When lumps occur in the neck, armpits, or groin area and don’t go away in a week or two, it’s important to have them examined by a physician.
What is “watchful waiting” after a lymphoma diagnosis?
Watchful waiting, sometimes called active surveillance, means your cancer team closely monitors your lymphoma without starting treatment right away. This is often recommended for slow growing, or indolent, lymphoma that do not have symptoms or the symptoms are not causing you any problems. This allows you to avoid the side effects of treatment for as long as possible.
What are the possible side effects or lymphoma treatment?
Possible side effects of lymphoma depend on the treatment. Common side effects include hair loss, itchy skin, fatigue, nerve damage, nausea and vomiting, and problems sleeping, among others. While the thought of side effects can be distressing, our cancer care team is here to help you manage them.
What is the prognosis for lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a serious condition and your prognosis depends on several factors, including the type, stage, your age, and overall health. However, in general, lymphoma is considered one of the more treatable forms of cancer.
