Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas Procedure
Advancements in cancer treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are credited to new procedures which have made these lymphomas easier to treat. Now, there are more sophisticated techniques that can effectively identify cellular origin as well as stage of the disease. Combined, these two factors help doctors to calculate more favorable treatments.
As with most cancers, recommended treatment is often different from patient to patient. A treatment solution used for one patient might not be suitable for another. Most cancer specialists including the physicians at the Cancer Center of Southern California do not develop a treatment plan until all the fact gathering is completed.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas Diagnosis Procedures
When evaluating a patient who has been diagnosed with cancer, doctors follow a specific procedure before recommending treatment options. All of the steps are important in order to identify a cancer’s stage, behavior, and location as well as assess a patient’s general health.
Doctors, including the physicians at the Cancer Center of Southern California, will implement each of the following steps:
- Compile patient’s medical history
- Examine patient for location of swollen lymph nodes
- Perform blood tests to check patient’s liver and kidney function
- Conduct a biopsy to analyze cancerous tissue
A biopsy is essential to confirm the lymphoma’s grade and aggressiveness. Knowing the growth rate of the disease will help towards developing the best possible treatment plan.
Lymphoma is categorized into one of three different grades:
- Low grade – slow growth
- Intermediate grade – moderate growth
- High grade – fast growth
It’s important to note that while a high grade lymphoma might grow quickly it usually responds well to treatment.
Surgery is not a treatment that is typically used to treat lymphoma. A combination of chemotherapy and radiation or chemotherapy as a standalone treatment are often recommended. In the medical community, the physicians at the Cancer Center of Southern California are highly respected as some of the most experienced and knowledgeable in chemotherapy options. The Center’s participation in clinical trials makes it possible for their patients to have access to novel drug therapies.
Contact Our Lymphoma Specialists
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lymphoma, you will want to speak with the oncologists at the Cancer Center of Southern California. The doctors are renowned for their expertise in some of the most advanced chemotherapy treatments through their work in clinical trials. Call today at 310-552-9999 to schedule a consultation.
Next, read about lymphoma treatment.
