How effective is radiotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes different diseases, and radiotherapy is not used in the same way for all of them. It may treat a localised area, follow another treatment, or relieve pressure, pain or other problems caused by a mass. The team considers whether the lymphoma is in one region or several, how fast it is growing, which organs are nearby and whether medicines are also needed. Follow-up examination and imaging help assess response; feeling better is helpful but does not replace review.

Ask which lymphoma subtype you have and whether the radiation plan is intended to treat the disease or ease a specific problem. Share details of prior chemotherapy, transplant, surgery, medicines and previous radiation. Follow instructions about skin care, rest and hydration, and attend blood tests or scans requested by the team. Tell the team about pain, swelling, fever, fatigue or new symptoms rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Contact your oncology team promptly for fever, rapidly increasing swelling, worsening pain, new weakness, confusion, persistent vomiting or inability to drink. Breathing difficulty, chest pressure, fainting or sudden severe symptoms require emergency care, especially if a lymphoma mass is near the airway or chest.

What subtype and distribution of lymphoma do I have? Is radiotherapy treating the lymphoma, reducing the chance of local return or relieving pressure? What other treatment is planned? Which organs are near the target, and what symptoms should prompt an urgent call?