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Lymphoma

Ravneet Grewal, MD -  - Board Certified Medical Oncologist

Virginia Cancer Care

Ravneet Grewal, MD

Board Certified Medical Oncologist located in Reston, VA & Leesburg, VA

For the most innovative and comprehensive lymphoma treatment options available, visit Dr. Ravneet Grewal, a notable, board-certified medical oncologist at Virginia Cancer Care, in Reston and Leesburg, Virginia. Dr. Grewal and her expert team offer lymphoma cancer care in a compassionate environment and attentive manner. Call either office to schedule a consultation to take the first step.

Lymphoma Q & A

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that develop in your lymphatic system. These immune system cancers affect your white blood cells, or lymphocytes, which help your body fight disease. There are two categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma commonly affects men and women ages 20-40, and adults over 55. The cells in your lymphatic system grow abnormally, often spreading beyond your lymphatic system into other areas of your body. This form of the disease is rarer than non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

With this form of lymphoma, your white blood cells become abnormal. They divide over and over again to produce even more abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can spread to nearly every other part of your body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma.

What’s the difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Both forms of this disease involve your lymphatic system and your white blood cells, or lymphocytes. Lymphocytes protect your body from germs. The difference between the two kinds of lymphoma is related to the type of lymphocytes affected.

When pathologist examine these cancer cells under a microscope, they look for the presence of a specific abnormal cell called a Reed–Sternberg cell. If the Reed–Sternberg cell is not present, you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma; if the Reed-Sternberg cell is present, you have Hodgkin lymphoma.

How is lymphoma treated?

The treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage. Some forms of lymphoma are slow-growing, and don’t require immediate treatment, whereas other types may need one or more of the following:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Antibody therapy
  • Radioimmunotherapy

Understanding all your options is a critical first step before moving forward with lymphoma treatment. Dr. Grewal and her caring medical team take the time to answer your questions and talk to you about treatment options and projected outcomes.

To learn more, call either the Leesburg or Reston office, or use the online booking tool to schedule a consultation.