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Health Library Home>Conditions InDepth>Article

Radiation Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

by Jondavid Pollock, MD, PhD
En Español (Spanish Version)
Main Page
Risk Factors
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Living With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Resource Guide

Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. For early stage non-Hodgkin lymphomas, radiation therapy is the first line of treatment. Advanced stages are treated in combination with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may be used to:

  • Shrink tumors in the neck, chest, or armpits
  • Localized or large tumors that are confined to one area
  • Relieve symptoms associated with metastatic lymphoma

A radiation oncologist will customize the treatment dose for individual needs. The goal is to try and kill as much cancer while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.

There are different types of radiation therapy, but external beam radiation is used to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

External Beam Radiation

In external beam radiation therapy, radiation is produced by a machine positioned outside the body. Short bursts of x-rays are directed at the tumor site. The radiation specialist will direct the radiation beam to affect as much of the tumor as possible. External beam radiation only takes a few minutes and the total treatment time can last 5-8 weeks, depending on the total dose required. In most cases, radiation is given 5 days a week. If needed, radiation therapy can be repeated in the same or different area after the initial course is completed.

Radiation of a Tumor

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Side Effects and Management

Complications of radiation therapy depend on where it is directed, and may include:

  • Chest complications:
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest pains
    • Problems with swallowing and eating
    • Thyroid problems
    • Heart and lung problems
  • Abdominal and pelvic complications:
    • Bladder irritation—may cause blood in the urine, or pain or burning during urination
    • Anal or rectal irritation—may cause blood in the stool, pain during bowel movements, or stool leakage
    • Vaginal dryness—may cause discomfort during intercourse
    • Erectile dysfunction
    • Infertility—talk to your doctor about options to preserve fertility before starting treatment
  • General complications:
    • Dry, irritated skin
    • Reduced blood cell counts—increases the risk of infection and blood clotting time, and causes anemia -related fatigue
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea

A variety of treatments are available to help manage side effects of radiation therapy. Sometimes adjustments to treatment doses may also be possible. The earlier side effects are addressed, the more likely they will be controlled with a minimum of discomfort.

REFERENCES:

Adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)—patient version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/adult-nhl-treatment-pdq. Accessed January 28, 2021.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116014/Non-Hodgkin-lymphoma-NHL. Accessed January 28, 2021.

Radiation therapy. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website. Available at: http://www.lls.org/lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/treatment/radiation-therapy. Accessed January 28, 2021.

Radiation therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/treating/radiation-therapy.html. Accessed January 28, 2021.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP  Last Updated: 1/28/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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4600 38th Street
P.O. Box 1800
Columbus, Nebraska 68602-1800
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