Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (more correctly now known as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma) is a term used to describe a group of blood cancers that includes all types of lymphoma, except for Hodgkin lymphomas. There are two main sub-types: B- cell lymphomas (> 80% incidence) and T-cell lymphomas (<20% incidence).
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow and they congregate in and circulate through lymph glands via the blood. In people with lymphoma, malignant lymphocytes start to crowd out normal lymphocytes which eventually weakens the immune system, making it more vulnerable to infection and disease.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may occur at any age but is more common in people over the age of 50. It is one of the more common cancers in children but is usually curable.
What are the Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Symptoms are often similar to a virus which can make Non-Hodgkin lymphoma difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms may include:
Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin)
Fever
Excessive sweating
Generalized itching
Fatigue and lack of energy
Weight loss.
What Causes Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Experts have not identified a specific infectious cause or a particular substance that causes lymphoma. Some people with other conditions are more likely to develop lymphoma. These include people with:
Chronic infections
Autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease
Rheumatoid diseases (eg, rheumatoid arthritis)
Prior cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy)
Other viruses that cause immunodeficiency (such as HIV, Epstein Barr).
How is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosed?
If you have ongoing swelling in your lymph nodes and a persistent fever see your doctor.
If lymphoma is suspected a full blood test will be conducted to look for evidence of abnormalities in your white cell count, red cell count, or how your kidneys and liver are functioning. A biopsy of your lymph nodes will also be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
How is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated?
Treatment depends on the age of the person diagnosed and general health as well as the size of the lymphoma and the extent it has spread.
If the initial cancer is small and easily removed with a biopsy, no further treatment is necessary. In other people, a “wait and see” approach may be taken.
Treatment options include:
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Monoclonal Antibody therapy
Steroid medication.
Drugs used to treat Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access
Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
Further information
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