Lymphoma

Lymphoma Care

When you have cancer, you need a team of support. A diagnosis of lymphoma can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. We are here for you every step of the way through your journey of diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer treatments have progressed significantly in recent years and survivor rates have increased as a result.

Coordinated Team Approach 

We provide coordinated care that includes the latest treatments in surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. You are an important part of your care team. Our goal is for you to be involved in the decisions related to your care and to always know the next step.

We want to help you feel healthy again. In addition to the critical medical treatments you will receive, we offer health and wellness services that treat the whole body and mind, promoting physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing.

Learn more about our lymphoma services and what you can expect during your treatment journey. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 231-392-8400 or CancerServices@mhc.net.

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the body’s lymph system.

The lymph system is part of the immune system and helps the body fight infection and disease. Lymph tissue is located throughout the body, so lymphoma can begin almost anywhere.

There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured.

With most types of Hodgkin lymphoma, abnormal white blood cells develop in the lymph nodes. These are called Reed-Sternberg cells.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may be either indolent (slow-growing) or aggressive (fast-growing). There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that form from different types of white blood cells – B-cells, T-cells, and NK cells.

The most typical type develops from B-cells. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type in adults and it is usually aggressive. Another common type is follicular lymphoma, which is usually indolent.

Sézary syndrome and mycosis fungoides are types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that start in white blood cells in the skin.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is rare and starts in white blood cells in the brain, spinal cord, or eye.

Risk Factors

There are few known direct risk factors for lymphoma. However some factors that may increase risk include:

  • Severely altered immune function, such as in people who receive immune suppressants to prevent organ transplant rejection.

  • Certain infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus.

  • Family history moderately increases risk. 

  • Environmental exposures 

  • Body weight 

Learn More About Lymphoma

What to Expect

Diagnosis

Cancer treatment begins with a diagnosis. Through testing, your care team will determine your type of cancer. These test results will help us develop an individualized treatment plan for you.

We understand that this phase can be very difficult as you are waiting for answers. Our goal is to move you through the diagnostic process as quickly as possible in order to minimize the emotional strain.

Your Treatment Plan

We offer a coordinated approach to care that varies based on your specific needs.

Your case may be discussed at our weekly Tumor Board meetings. This is a multidisciplinary team of physicians and support staff that discusses patients’ care plans and makes recommendations for multiple types of cancer.

After testing and consultations are complete, your oncologist/hematologist will explain to you the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer and discuss treatment.

Treatment for your cancer will depend upon the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Other factors that impact treatment decisions include your age and other health conditions.

Our physicians provide the latest in treatments. When more complex treatments are necessary, we work closely with specialists across the state and nation.

Treatment for lymphoma typically includes chemotherapy and/or radiation. For certain types, stem cell transplant or targeted therapies with antibodies may also be combined with chemotherapy.

Health and Wellness at the Cowell Family Cancer Center

We believe that everything matters in cancer treatment.

The Health and Wellness Suite at the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City offers space for physical, emotional and spiritual healing through integrative therapies, meditation, exercise, nutrition and the arts.

Services are available for patients, staff, family members, caregivers and the community.

Services include:

Meet our Care Team

We have a team of medical oncologists/hematologists who provide screening, diagnosis, and treatment for lymphoma.

The Cowell Family Cancer Center Support Team

Our care coordination team is here to support you and usually includes a nurse and nurse practitioner who will ensure that your next steps are planned and communicated.

Our compassionate team also includes a dietitian, a social worker, palliative/supportive care providers, and financial navigators to ensure that your individual needs are addressed.

For more information regarding Cowell Family Cancer Center services or to be transferred to a regional network facility, call 231-392-8400 and speak with one of our resource specialists.

Availability of support services varies according to the specific regional cancer network location.

Treatment Locations

Cowell Family Cancer Center

You can find treatment and resources for lymphoma at our Cowell Family Cancer Center on the Munson Medical Center campus in Traverse City. This state-of-the-art cancer center opened in 2016 and provides most cancer services including diagnosis, treatment, integrative therapies, follow-up, and supportive care.

Other Locations

Medical oncology follow up visits and chemotherapy may be available to you close to home through our regional cancer network.

Clinical Trials for Lymphoma

Clinical trials are studies that involve people and are the final research step in a long process that begins with lab research. You may want to consider participating in a clinical trial.

Depending on the clinical trial, part of your care may need to occur in Traverse City.

At Munson Healthcare, we have participated in cancer clinical trials for over 30 years through the National Cancer Institute. This program offers our patients the chance to participate in large, national research trials while remaining at home in northern Michigan.

To learn more about clinical trials for lymphoma, visit Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan or talk to your doctor.