Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Newly Diagnosed
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in your lymphatic system. Being told you have cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. People on your care team are there to help you.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer of the body’s immune system.
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NHL is a term that's used for a group of cancers of the lymphatic system. There are many different types of NHL lymphomas with different symptoms and treatments. There is another main type of lymphoma, called Hodgkin lymphoma, which is treated differently.
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NHL most often affects adults, but children can get it too.
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NHL usually starts in lymph nodes or other lymph tissue, but it can sometimes affect the skin.
Coping with fear
It’s normal to feel afraid. Learning about non-Hodgkin lymphoma and your treatment options can help you feel less fearful. It also helps you work with your care team and make better choices for your treatment. You can also ask to speak with a counselor or find a support group where you can meet others coping with cancer.
Working with your care team
Your care team may include:
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A hematologist. This is a health care provider who specializes in diseases of the blood and lymphatic systems, including lymphoma. They may treat people with blood cancers, like lymphoma, with chemotherapy and other medicines.
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A medical oncologist. This is a provider who uses chemotherapy and other medicines to treat many different types of cancer, including NHL.
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A radiation oncologist. This is a provider who uses radiation therapy to treat people with cancer.
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An oncology nurse. This is a nurse who specializes in the care and treatment of people with cancer.
You may have other types of healthcare professionals on your team as well. They'll answer any questions you may have. They’ll help you through each step you take before, during, and after treatment. Your team will let you know what tests you need and the results of those tests. They’ll guide you in making treatment decisions. And they'll help prepare you and your loved ones for what’s ahead.
Learning about treatment options
To decide the best course of treatment for you, your care team needs to know as much as possible about you and your cancer. This may mean getting scans and tests. It may also mean working with more than one type of health care provider. You may also want to get a second opinion to help you choose a treatment. This is common. Your team can help you with this.
When you start to talk about treatment options, it's very important that you:
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Know all treatment options.
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Talk about the details of each treatment option with your cancer care team.
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Learn as much as you can and understand the information being given to you.
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Are a partner with your providers to make treatment decisions and plan your care.
Getting support
Coping with cancer can be very stressful. Talk with your care team about seeing a counselor. They can refer you to someone who can help. You can also visit support groups to talk with other people coping with cancer. Ask your team about local support groups and online resources that might be useful.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rajadurai Samnishanth Researcher
Online Medical Reviewer:
Susan K. Dempsey-Walls RN
Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2025
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