Lymphoma
Receiving a lymphoma diagnosis can be confusing. There are several classifications of this disease with different prognoses, but all tumors derive from the lymph system. Lymph tissue comprises our circulatory system, where our immune cells travel. It is compact in some areas, like the thymus gland, spleen, and bone marrow, and more dispersed in others, such as the lymph nodes and vessels found throughout our whole body. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell made in our bone marrow that alerts the body to foreign substances when exposed to them within the lymph system. Lymphomas are tumors that grow from lymphocytes that have been abnormally stimulated to grow without control.
HODGKIN VS. NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA
The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma affects about 8,000 new patients per year and is derived from a type of lymphocyte called a B-cell. It is also one of the most treatable cancers. Typically enlarged, non-tender lymph nodes are found in the neck, behind the breastbone, or between the lungs. Hodgkin Lymphoma can spread to other areas of the lymph system such as the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or bone. Ninety-five percent of patients diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma have what is known as Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL).
The more common type of lymphoma diagnosed in the U.S. is non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), affecting more than 70,000 new patients annually. It can derive from B-cells or the second type of lymphocyte called a T-cell in the lymph nodes and other lymph organs. Some common symptoms include fever, sweats, persistent weakness and fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and painful body areas (chest, abdomen, bones) without reason. Given that more than 50 variations of NHL can be diagnosed at different stages, treatment is very individualized within the realm of evidence-based treatment guidelines.
FEATURING AN INTEGRATIVE AND INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH TO LYMPHOMA TREATMENT.
At Salish Cancer Center, we have clinicians treating chronic, adult hematological cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia. There is an excellent benefit to treating lymphoma early, but lymphomas also recur after successful treatment. Our medical oncologists will meet with you to discuss your diagnosis, including subtype of lymphoma, prognosis, treatment options, and side effect management. Our naturopathic doctors will also meet with you and your family to discuss specific supplementation and nutritional recommendations tailored to your individual needs and conventional treatment plan. In addition, they will offer natural remedies to reduce side effects, maintain optimal function of your immune system, and support your conventional treatment plan.
For more detailed information on lymphoma, potential treatments, or to learn more about our services, including acupuncture and Native Healing, please continue reading through our site and see the Resources section below.
We accept most insurance plans, and our financial counselor is available to discuss pricing and fees before your first visit. However, all pertinent records must be received by our clinic before your appointments are scheduled so that we may give you our most well-informed recommendations.
Our caring support staff is available by phone to answer questions and schedule consultations. Whether you are newly diagnosed with a form of lymphoma, exploring further options, or would like a second opinion, the combined expertise of the physician team at Salish Cancer Center is here for you.