When is radiotherapy recommended for non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes different diseases, and each behaves differently. The haematology team considers the exact subtype, number and position of involved areas, scan findings, previous treatment, and the person’s general health before recommending radiation.

For some localised lymphomas, radiation may be a main treatment. For other types, medicines are the main treatment and radiotherapy is reserved for a remaining focus, a bulky area, or symptoms such as pressure or pain. The treatment field is planned around the involved tissue and nearby organs.

Ask which lymphoma subtype you have and what the radiation is intended to achieve. Tell the team about previous radiation, implanted devices, pregnancy possibility, medicines, and symptoms caused by the lymphoma, such as swelling, pain, cough, or pressure.

Keep appointments for planning scans and report skin changes, tiredness, pain, bowel or bladder changes, or symptoms near the treated area. Continue medicines as directed and ask for written advice about skin care, activity, food, and when to call.

Get urgent help for sudden breathing difficulty, new weakness, confusion, severe chest or abdominal pressure, inability to pass urine, or rapidly increasing swelling. A fever or marked unwell feeling during lymphoma treatment also needs prompt contact with the oncology team.

Ask why radiotherapy is being advised instead of, or alongside, medicines; what area will be treated; how response will be checked; what short-term effects to expect; and which symptoms should trigger urgent contact.