Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Surgery

Surgery is not a common treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This is mainly because the cancerous cells are usually not confined to one part of the body, and also because whole-body (systemic) treatments often have high success rates. However, it is common for a surgeon to perform a biopsy during the diagnostic process. A surgical biopsy, in which a small sample of cells is removed and examined under a microscope, is typically necessary to confirm or rule out a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.

Additionally, in the rare event that the condition develops outside of the lymphatic system (in the spleen or the thyroid gland, for instance), therapeutic surgery might be performed to remove solid tumors, although this is not a common occurrence. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation are all more likely to be recommended as treatment options for a patient who is diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we evaluate each patient’s unique diagnosis to determine the best approach for addressing it. Working together to provide individualized treatment, our experienced oncologists consider a number of factors to determine whether surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other novel options should be included in a patient’s treatment plan. These factors include:

• The stage and location of the cancer
• The patient’s age and overall health
• The patient’s response to previous treatments, if applicable

Patients who undergo non-Hodgkin lymphoma surgery at Moffitt can benefit from the expertise of our highly experienced team of surgeons, while patients who choose nonsurgical treatment options can consult with our outstanding medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and malignant hematologists. These team members work collaboratively in one location, making it not only possible, but convenient, for patients to receive multiple expert opinions throughout the treatment process.

To learn more about the various treatment options for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. You do not need a physician’s referral to request an appointment at Moffitt.