What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphocytes, which are a kind of white blood cell. Normally, these cells help you fight infections, but cancerous lymphocytes don’t work as they should. They can spread through your lymphatic system—which includes your lymph nodes, thymus, spleen and a network of lymph vessels.
The two main categories of lymphoma cancer are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma. According to the National Cancer Institute, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma makes up about 4% of all cancers; less than 1% of cancers are Hodgkin lymphoma.
From questions about your lymphoma symptoms to navigating lymphoma treatment, we’re here to help. No matter where you are in your lymphoma fight, our patient navigators across Texas can connect you with the care you need.
Why Baylor Scott & White Health for lymphoma treatment
Our cancer care team offers you multiple specialists to diagnose, treat and fight your lymphoma. As the largest network of hospital-based cancer centers in Texas, we also offer you convenient access to lymphoma treatment options and many support services. Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, in Dallas has one of the nation's oldest blood and marrow transplant programs and is the first North Texas provider to offer adult commercial use of CAR-T cell therapy.
When it comes to advanced care for lymphoma cancer, we never settle. Our researchers are involved in clinical trials to study innovative cancer treatments.
Our cancer care teams across Texas provide you access to:
- A complete care team, including medical specialists, oncology nurses and patient navigators
- Cancer care locations in North and Central Texas
- Innovative lymphoma treatment options, including immunotherapy and CAR-T
- Blood and marrow transplant program
- Pediatric lymphoma care through Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center in Temple
- Access to a diverse portfolio of Phase I, II and III clinical trials and research studies aimed at advancing expanding screening, prevention, diagnostic, and treatment options for lymphoma
- Support resources for your well-being throughout your lymphoma care
Baylor Scott & White Health is the third-largest network of cancer centers accredited by the Commission on Cancer.
Certain Baylor Scott & White Health locations are accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) for quality in cellular therapy, including blood and marrow transplantation and immunotherapies.
Types of lymphoma
There are many specific types of lymphoma cancer, but they are usually grouped into Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It's important to work with a clinical team experienced in lymphoma cancers to understand your specific diagnosis and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
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Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is classified by the presence of large, abnormal cells in lymphoma tissues, known as Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin cells, which are larger than normal lymphocytes but smaller than Reed-Sternberg cells, are also associated with the disease.
Hodgkin lymphoma typically develops in your neck, chest or under your arms, and affects the lymphatic system. It is considered to be one of the most curable forms of cancer. -
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is categorized by abnormal cells different from those found in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It often affects B cells, a type of white blood cell, but it can also affect T cells or natural killer cells, too.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can develop in different places throughout the body's lymphatic system. Working with an experienced medical specialist to identify your subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is an important first step.
Cancer hates believers
Sharon | Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
For Sharon, faith is everything—especially her faith in people. With her nurse navigator by her side every step of the way, Sharon had support and confidence to defeat lymphoma.
Lymphoma support
We’re here to support your well-being throughout your lymphoma care. Our support groups and events let you connect with others who understand your lymphoma journey.
Our resource centers and patient navigators can answer your questions and arm you with knowledge. And our survivorship program stands with you even after your lymphoma treatment is over.