Lymphoma
Overview
Lymphoma is a broad term that refers to cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of your body’s defense against viruses and bacteria. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Approximately 550,000 people globally are diagnosed with lymphoma each year, and it causes approximately 300,000 deaths per year. About 3–4% of all cancers are lymphomas, and collectively they are the seventh most common type of cancer. The main risk factors for developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma are an infection with the Epstein–Barr virus and a family history of the disease. Risk factors for developing NHL include autoimmune diseases, HIV/AIDS, taking immunosuppressant medications, and exposure to pesticides.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of lymphoma may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Additionally, you may be more prone to infections or experience loss of appetite, fatigue, itchy skin, unexplained bleeding or respiratory problems such as shortness of breath. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a GMI specialist to determine the best course of action. A partial or total excision of a lymph node, which is then examined under the microscope, is the best way to confirm a lymphoma diagnosis, and gather more information on your specific case. To assess the potential spread and to better understand your specific lymphoma, your GMI medical team may recommend further imaging. The GMI offers the most advanced medical imaging techniques, including computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT). For Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other fluorodeoxyglucose-avid lymphomas, a PET / CT is recommended. For other types of lymphomas, a CT scan is performed.
Treatment
Like other types of cancer, treatment varies greatly depending on the specific lymphoma and how the cancer has progressed. Every step in the diagnostic procedure helps the GMI team tailor each treatment plan to each patient, taking into consideration your individual case and personal preferences. To determine the best course of action each patient’s case is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board where several experts from our team come together to create your comprehensive treatment plan.
Lymphoma is treated mainly through different types of chemotherapy. Additional treatment options may include a bone marrow transplant, CAR-T cell therapy or radiotherapy.
Why GMI
At the GMI German Oncology Center, a dedicated team of internationally acclaimed hematologists guides each lymphoma patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports lymphoma patients on their journey by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative oncology services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI German Oncology Center both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
