What to expect from radiotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Your team first reviews the lymphoma type, its location, previous treatment, and the aim of radiotherapy. Imaging helps define the target while limiting exposure to nearby organs. You may receive treatment to one region, or radiotherapy may be combined with medicines when your team considers that appropriate.

Each visit includes positioning and safety checks. The beam is not visible and the session is generally quick. Tiredness often accumulates during a course. Other effects depend on the treated site: skin warmth or irritation, nausea near the abdomen, bowel changes near the pelvis, or soreness when the throat is in the field.

Keep a simple record of symptoms and medicines, and attend blood tests or reviews when requested. Protect treated skin from friction and heat, and do not apply creams unless your team approves them. Eat regular meals, drink enough for your care plan, and accept help with transport if fatigue makes travel harder.

Ask before taking supplements or changing prescribed medicines. If you have had chemotherapy, tell the team about fever, bruising, or unusual weakness. Gentle activity followed by rest may be more manageable than trying to maintain your usual pace.

Call your treatment team promptly for a fever, new rash or broken skin in the treated area, persistent vomiting, worsening diarrhoea, inability to drink, or pain that is not controlled. Get urgent medical help for breathing problems, severe weakness, fainting, confusion, or sudden swelling.

Ask what the treatment is intended to achieve, why this body area is being targeted, whether medicines will be given alongside it, which side effects fit the treatment field, and how follow-up will assess the lymphoma. Confirm the contact number for evenings and weekends.