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Stage 3 Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

Lymphomas are cancers that originate in the cells of the lymph system, a component of the body's immune system. Stage III symptoms of lymphoma usually involve the appearance of the lymphoma in lymph nodes located in the neck, chest and abdominal regions. Treatments for stage III lymphoma are usually administered by a hematologist or oncologist.

  1. Stage 3 Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

    • Stage III treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma is usually undertaken when certain features are present, including size and location of abnormal cells, symptoms and needs of the patient. Treatment for stage III non-Hodgkin's lymphoma usually begins immediately unless the disease has spread to other areas of the body but is slow-growing or not growing at all, which may result in a "watch and wait" approach.

    Types

    • Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are both cancers that begin in the lymphocytes, cells that help protect and maintain the body's immune system. Hodgkin's lymphoma is identified by the Reed-Sternberg cell among the cancerous cells. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is recognized by the absence of Reed-Sternberg cells but by the presence of at least 30 other types of abnormal cells.

    Treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma

    • A combination of chemotherapy drugs is usually used over a a four-week period to treat Stage III Hodgkin's lymphoma. Afterward, field radiation may be applied directly to the affected areas, followed by high-dose chemotherapy.

    Treatment for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

    • Treatment for stage III non-Hodgkin's lymphoma might include administration of monoclonal antibodies (rituximab) alone or modified with radioactive particles, or chemotherapy alone or with rituximab. If relapse occurs, radiation therapy may be used. Aggressive lymphomas are treated with rituximab and a chemotherapy regimen of various drug combinations.

    Conclusion

    • In case of relapse, chemotherapy may be given for stage III lymphoma, sometimes in high doses, along with stem-cell transplantation. Stem-cell transplantation is a procedure that uses stem cells to create new blood cells in the bone marrow to replace those lost during chemotherapy treatments.

    Warnings

    • Anemia may result from a decrease in red blood cells after chemotherapy. Medications might be given to augment the number of red blood cells.

      Chemotherapy treatment for both types of lymphoma may result in nausea, vomiting, hair loss, weakness, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, oral sores, blood in the urine, bladder discomfort and fertility problems.

      The Epstein-Barr virus has been diagnosed in almost half of those diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

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