Does radiotherapy treat non-hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes many different diseases, and they do not all respond to the same approach. Radiotherapy may be used when lymphoma is confined to a particular region, after medicine has reduced disease elsewhere, or to ease symptoms from a mass pressing on an organ, nerve, or bone. Some lymphomas need medicines that circulate through the body because disease may be present in several sites. The team uses the biopsy result, scans, symptoms, and previous treatment to choose the sequence.

Ask your haematology team which lymphoma subtype you have and whether the goal of radiotherapy is to control the disease in one area or relieve a symptom. Share any previous chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or transplant treatment. Before planning, tell the team about pregnancy, implanted devices, pain, swallowing problems, or bowel and bladder changes. Keep the appointment instructions and report new symptoms rather than adjusting treatment yourself.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, sudden weakness, new loss of bladder or bowel control, severe chest or abdominal pain, confusion, or inability to swallow fluids. Fever during lymphoma treatment needs prompt contact with your care team. Rapidly enlarging swelling or a sudden change in pain should also be assessed without delay.

What lymphoma subtype and stage are being treated? Is radiotherapy intended to control the lymphoma or relieve pressure and pain? Will I also need systemic medicine? Which organs are near the treatment area, and what effects should I report?