Hodgkin Lymphoma Surgery

Surgery can be used to obtain biopsy samples for diagnosing and classifying Hodgkin lymphoma, but it is rarely used as a treatment, considering that lymphomas do not often produce solid tumors in the way that many other cancers do. However, surgery may be used in rare cases of extranodal lymphoma, where the condition develops outside of the lymph nodes (in the thyroid gland or the stomach, for instance).

Other instances in which surgery may be used to address Hodgkin lymphoma include:

• During diagnosis – When diagnosing lymphoma, it’s typically ideal to examine an entire lymph node for signs of cancer. Surgeons may recommend removing one or more lymph nodes through an open excisional biopsy.
• During staging – To determine if a patient’s lymphoma is confined to one specific area or if it has spread throughout the body, surgeons may perform a procedure known as a staging laparotomy.
• When treating symptoms such as pain, weakness and appetite loss – A splenectomy (the surgical removal of the spleen) may be recommended for patients who are experiencing a reduced quality of life due to Hodgkin lymphoma side effects. This procedure may also be helpful for managing a platelet, iron or white blood cell deficiency following Hodgkin lymphoma treatment.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, patients can discuss their options with a multispecialty team of highly experienced surgical oncologists, as well as medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, malignant hematologists and other skilled providers. Here, we offer the latest and most effective therapies in a single location, making it as convenient as possible for our patients to receive comprehensive treatment.

If you’re considering Hodgkin lymphoma surgery or any other form of treatment, you can review your options with Moffitt’s oncologists with or without a physician’s referral. To request an appointment, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online.