Symptoms & Early Warning Signs
Common indicators and clinical warning signs
Note: These symptoms can be caused by many conditions. Swollen lymph nodes are often due to infections. However, if they persist or grow, especially with other symptoms like fever and weight loss, see a doctor.
Diagnosis Pathway
Step-by-step clinical evaluation and staging workflow
Medical history and physical examination (checking lymph nodes)
Blood tests (complete blood count, chemistry panel)
Lymph node biopsy (excisional biopsy preferred)
Bone marrow biopsy (to check for spread)
Imaging tests (CT scan, PET scan) for staging
Pathology report with subtype classification
Staging (Ann Arbor staging system)
Staging Explained
How tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis are graded
Cancer in one lymph node region or one organ/site outside lymph nodes
Cancer in two or more lymph node regions on same side of diaphragm, or one organ plus nearby lymph nodes
Cancer in lymph node regions on both sides of diaphragm, may include spleen
Widespread: cancer in one or more organs outside lymph system, or in bone marrow
Treatment Options
Standard of care modalities according to NCCN clinical guidelines
Chemotherapy
Primary treatment for most NHL types. Common regimens: CHOP, R-CHOP (with rituximab), CVP, ABVD (for some types). Usually 4-6 cycles over 3-6 months. May be combined with other treatments.
Immunotherapy
Monoclonal antibodies: rituximab (for B-cell lymphomas), brentuximab vedotin (for some T-cell lymphomas). Often combined with chemotherapy. Other options: checkpoint inhibitors for certain types.
Radiation Therapy
Used for early-stage, localized NHL or as part of combined modality treatment. May be used for symptom relief in advanced disease. Typically 3-4 weeks of daily treatment.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs targeting specific proteins or pathways: ibrutinib, venetoclax, lenalidomide, and others. Used for specific NHL subtypes, often for relapsed/refractory disease.
CAR-T Cell Therapy
Advanced treatment for certain relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas. Patient's T-cells are modified to attack cancer cells. Examples: axicabtagene ciloleucel, tisagenlecleucel.
Stem Cell Transplant
High-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplant (autologous or allogeneic). Used for aggressive lymphomas or relapsed disease. Requires specialized centers.
Treatment Cost Comparisons
Transparent out-of-pocket benchmarks for India and US healthcare centers
Treatment Cost in India
- Lymph node biopsy: ₹20,000 - ₹60,000
- Chemotherapy (per cycle): ₹30,000 - ₹2,00,000
- Rituximab (per cycle): ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000
- Radiation therapy: ₹2-5 lakhs
- Targeted therapy: ₹60,000 - ₹4 lakhs per month
- CAR-T therapy: ₹30-50 lakhs (if available)
- Stem cell transplant: ₹15-40 lakhs
- Complete treatment: ₹8-50 lakhs (depending on type and stage)
Treatment Cost in US
- Lymph node biopsy: $2,000 - $5,000
- Chemotherapy: $20,000 - $250,000 (depending on duration and drugs)
- Rituximab: $5,000 - $15,000 per cycle
- Radiation therapy: $15,000 - $60,000
- Targeted therapy: $8,000 - $25,000 per month
- CAR-T therapy: $400,000 - $500,000
- Stem cell transplant: $150,000 - $400,000
- Complete treatment: $60,000 - $500,000+
Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
This guide provides verified clinical insights based on established oncological literature (NCCN, ASCO, ESMO). It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or personalized treatment planning. Always consult your qualified oncology specialist before initiating treatment.