Lymphoma

How CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy® can help

Lymphoma is a cancer of the body’s immune system that impacts thousands yearly. When faced with a diagnosis, it’s normal to feel confused or unsure of where to turn. Read on to discover more about the 2 main types of lymphoma and what we can do to support you on the road ahead.

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is caused by a change (mutation) in the DNA of a white blood cell called a lymphocyte. This mutation causes the lymphocyte to grow and divide quickly. Lymphoma can develop anywhere in the body where lymph tissue is found.¹

There are many subsets to lymphoma, but they each fall under 2 main types:

Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is a rare type of cancer most common in young adults but can occur at any age. HL typically begins in the neck, chest or armpits. It is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer.²

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a common type of cancer, and it typically occurs more often in men than women. NHL can start anywhere in the body. It is also more unpredictable than HL, so it requires an adaptable treatment plan. Although NHL is serious, there are many people who’ve gone on to live healthy lives following a diagnosis.³

HL and NHL share a number of symptoms, the most common being fatigue. Knowing all the signs of lymphoma can help identify the disease and lead to a better outcome:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Chills and night sweats
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling full after only a small amount of food
  • Fever that comes and goes over several weeks
  • Severe or frequent infections
  • Shortness of breath or cough
  • Swollen abdomen
  • Weight loss without trying

CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy distributes medications to treat lymphoma, as directed by your prescriber. Because HL and NHL require specific treatments, there are therapies and medications associated with both.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications that are given by IV or taken by mouth. It is the main form of treatment in HL and NHL.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to fight cancer by boosting or changing how the immune system works to attack cancer cells. It is used to treat both HL and NHL.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses medications that block specific parts of cancer cells in the immune system. It is a secondary treatment approach for NHL.

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Financial assistance

Get 1-on-1 support from healthcare professionals who understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you manage any stress or anxiety.

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Financial assistance

Don’t stress the bills. We work with financial assistance programs like grants, foundations and manufacturers to help you get the care you deserve. We’ll also assist you with the application process.  

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Clinical guidance

Receive personalized support regularly and instructions on how to take your meds. We’ll also work with your doctor to adjust your therapy if you’re experiencing side effects.

Sources

  1. “Lymphoma,” American Cancer Society, last accessed October 5, 2023.
  2. "Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)," Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, last accessed October 5, 2023.
  3. "Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL),” Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, last accessed October 5, 2023.

This information is not intended as a substitute for medical care or advice provided by your doctor or professional care provider. Only your doctor or professional care provider can diagnose and treat a medical condition.

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