Lymphoma

Lymphoma Care at UVM Cancer Center

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow and lymph vessels that help fight infection and disease.

There are two main types of lymphoma:

Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Both types involve white blood cells, called lymphocytes, that grow and spread in an uncontrolled way.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the leading cancer programs in the region, we offer:

National accreditation: Our cancer program is an accredited and authorized treatment center for stem cell transplantation and CAR T-Cell therapy. This achievement reflects the expertise of our physicians and our commitment to national standards for quality and safety.
Innovation and research leadership: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers and participate in nationally recognized cancer research groups, including the SWOG Cancer Research Network and NRG Oncology. This involvement gives eligible patients access to additional care options through clinical trials, including promising therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers.
Convenient, connected care: Our regional network allows you to receive leading-edge cancer care close to home. Whenever possible, we coordinate appointments so you can see multiple members of your care team on the same day.

Lymphoma Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type of lymphoma and where it develops. Some people have few or no symptoms early on.

Common symptoms include:

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin
Fever
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Itching of the skin
Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
Abdominal pain or swelling

Diagnosing Lymphoma

Your provider will review your symptoms, health history, physical exam findings and results from lab and imaging tests.

Diagnostic evaluations may include:

Blood tests: To assess blood cell counts and organ function
Imaging studies: CT, PET or MRI scans to look for enlarged lymph nodes or tumors
Biopsy of lymph node or bone marrow: Removing a small tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis and determine the lymphoma type

Lymphoma Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and stage of lymphoma, how quickly it is growing and your overall health.

Common treatment options include:

Active surveillance: For slow-growing lymphomas, watchful waiting may be appropriate
Chemotherapy: Medications that stop or slow the growth of cancer cells or help ease symptoms
Immunotherapy: Treatments that strengthen the immune system’s ability to better recognize and destroy cancer cells
CAR T-Cell Therapy: An innovative treatment in which your own T cells (infection-fighting white blood cells) are engineered to target and destroy cancer cells. This therapy is used for various types of blood cancer.
Stem cell transplant: For certain types or relapsed disease, a transplant may help restore healthy bone marrow after intensive treatment
Supportive & integrative care: We provide whole-person support, including cancer rehabilitation, mental health counseling and integrative therapies like yoga and acupuncture.

Your care team will work with you to choose a treatment plan that fits your needs, goals and lifestyle while helping you manage your symptoms confidently.

Cancer Care