Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a catchall term for some different cancers that start in your lymphatic system. The more common type of the disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, accounting for 4% of all cancers in the United States. No matter what form your lymphoma takes, Charleston Oncology has the tools and expertise necessary to help you get the best treatment available. Patients benefit from the cancer center’s state-of-the-art facility, which offers innovative treatments, including clinical trials. To explore your options for lymphoma, call our office today.
LYMPHOMA IS CHALLENGING. YOUR CARE SHOULDN’T BE.
At Charleston Oncology, we recognize that hearing the words “you have lymphoma” can be life-changing. That’s why our approach centers on knowledge, trust, and a treatment plan designed specifically for you. Our team combines years of experience with the latest advancements in lymphoma care, offering options such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant when appropriate. Whether your lymphoma is aggressive or slow-growing, we work with you to create a strategy that targets the disease while supporting your overall well-being. From diagnosis through recovery, our physicians and care team are dedicated to helping you fight lymphoma with confidence and compassion.
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Board Certified Oncologists Specializing in Lymphoma
Downtown, Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley
N. Charleston, Summerville, Walterboro
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM LYMPHOMA CARE AT CHARLESTON ONCOLOGY
CONDUCTING THE ORCHESTRA OF CARE
Your medical oncologist and hematologist act as central guides in your lymphoma treatment, coordinating care among specialists, nurses, and support staff. Like an orchestra conductor, your oncologist ensures that all members of your care team work together seamlessly to provide a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan.
Your doctor advocates for you at every stage, helping you understand your options and ensuring that your care is tailored to your unique needs.
TYPES AND DIAGNOSIS OF LYMPHOMA
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes your lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. The most common types include:
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Cutaneous B- and T-cell lymphomas
- Lymphoma of the skin
- Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At Charleston Oncology, we use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools:
- Lymph node removal: For tissue examination.
- Bone marrow biopsy: To assess marrow involvement.
- Blood tests: To evaluate overall health and detect markers of disease.
- Advanced imaging: To visualize the extent and location of lymphoma.
These evaluations, combined with a physical examination and review of your symptoms, allow your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of your lymphoma.
DIAGNOSIS OF LYMPHOMA
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At Charleston Oncology, we use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools, alongside a physical examination and review of symptoms, to confirm the presence of lymphoma and determine its type and stage:
- Removal of one of your lymph nodes for examination
- Taking a bone marrow sample for testing
- Blood tests
- Advanced imaging
These evaluations allow your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the specific characteristics of your lymphoma.
PERSONALIZED LYMPHOMA TREATMENT PLANS
Lymphoma treatment is highly individualized and depends on factors such as the type and stage of the disease, your overall health, and your lifestyle preferences. At Charleston Oncology, we offer a full range of treatment options:
- Chemotherapy: Uses medications to kill or slow the growth of lymphoma cells, often in combination with other therapies.
- Immunotherapy: Harnesses your immune system to target and destroy lymphoma cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses targeted, high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in specific areas.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: In select cases, replaces diseased marrow with healthy stem cells to rebuild blood and immune function.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND INNOVATIVE CARE
Comprehensive lymphoma care requires collaboration. Our hematologists, oncologists, radiation specialists, and support staff work together to provide coordinated, seamless care. We address not only the cancer itself but your overall well-being—physical, emotional, and psychological—throughout your treatment journey.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Your treatment, your choice—it all starts with understanding your options. At Charleston Oncology, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with expertise, compassion, and support. Schedule a consultation today to explore the care and resources that make Charleston Oncology a trusted name in lymphoma treatment.
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What is the difference between Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and tends to spread in a predictable pattern. It is highly curable even at advanced stages. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) encompasses more than 60 subtypes ranging from very slow-growing (such as follicular lymphoma) to highly aggressive (such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). NHL is far more common than Hodgkin lymphoma. Treatment for each is distinct, making accurate diagnosis and subtype classification essential.
What symptoms might indicate lymphoma, and when should I be evaluated?
The most common presenting symptom is one or more painless, enlarged lymph nodes — typically in the neck, armpit, or groin. Other symptoms can include unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, unintentional weight loss, persistent fatigue, itching, and abdominal fullness. Lymph nodes that persist for more than two to four weeks, continue to grow, or are accompanied by fever, sweats, or weight loss warrant evaluation by a physician. A biopsy is required to confirm a lymphoma diagnosis.
How is lymphoma staged, and why does staging matter?
Lymphoma is staged from Stage I (single lymph node region) to Stage IV (widespread involvement of multiple organs or bone marrow). Staging is determined through PET/CT imaging, bone marrow biopsy in some cases, and additional tests depending on the subtype. Staging informs prognosis, guides treatment selection, and helps determine the appropriate number of treatment cycles. For Hodgkin lymphoma especially, even advanced-stage disease is highly treatable.
What are the treatment options for lymphoma at Charleston Oncology?
Treatment is highly individualized based on subtype, stage, patient age, and overall health. Options include combination chemotherapy regimens (such as R-CHOP for DLBCL or ABVD for Hodgkin lymphoma), immunotherapy, targeted therapies (such as BTK inhibitors for certain B-cell lymphomas), radiation therapy, and — for eligible patients — autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. CAR-T cell therapy has emerged as a powerful option for certain relapsed or refractory aggressive lymphomas.
Medical Oncology and Hematology Specialists located in Downtown Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville & Walterboro, SC.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt like my whole world stopped. But from the moment I walked into Charleston Oncology, I knew I was in the right hands. The doctors explained everything clearly and made me feel like I wasn’t just another patient — I was part of their family.
Sarah T – Breast Cancer Survivor
Stories from our Patients
Our patients share their journey with newly diagnosed patients. Here their inspirational stories and advice
during the fight against lymphoma.
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Voted Best In Charleston
Charleston Oncology – Best Oncology Practice
With over 100 years of combined experience, the team of hematologists and oncologists at Charleston Oncology, a department of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, is proud to be named HealthLinks Magazine’s Best Oncology Practice.
David Ellison, M.D. – Best Oncologist
Honored as Best Oncologist, Dr. David Ellison is a past recipient of the Physician Champion Award from the Roper St. Francis Foundation, founding chairman of the Lowcountry Komen for the Cure Foundation, and principal investigator for several groundbreaking cancer drug clinical trials.
