You can find expert diagnostics and treatment options for lymphoma at UK Markey Cancer Center in Central Kentucky. Lymphoma cancer is a type of cancer that affects your lymphatic system. Your bone marrow, lymph glands, spleen and thymus are part of your lymphatic system. The main purpose of your lymphatic system is to help your body fight infection and disease through the production, storage and transport of white blood cells. Because lymph vessels extend into all tissues in your body, lymphoma may progress to other areas of the body.
When you develop lymphoma, there is significant overproduction of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These abnormal cells multiply and accumulate in your lymph nodes. This buildup of lymphocytes can compromise the function of your immune system.
Lymphoma at UK Markey Cancer Center
More than 1,500 patients have received transplants from the Hematology and Blood & Marrow Transplant Program at UK HealthCare since the program was founded in 1982. Part of the UK Markey Cancer Center, our program features a 15-bed inpatient unit where all rooms are private and positive-pressure HEPA-filtered.
The Hematology and Blood & Marrow Transplant team treats all blood-related diseases, including aplastic anemia and other conditions that stem from a bone marrow failure, as well as some solid neoplastic diseases. Our experts perform both autologous transplants, which use stem cells from the patient, and allogeneic procedures, which use stem cells from a donor.
Markey has provided state-of-the-art cancer care for more than 20 years, and we are proud to be the only cancer center in Kentucky designated by the National Cancer Institute. For the last five years, Markey Cancer Center has been nationally recognized as a top 50 cancer center by U.S. News and World Report.
- Abdominal swelling
- Bleeding and bruising
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Coughing
- Infections that are unusually frequent or severe
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Feeling of fullness after eating an unusually small amount of food
- Night sweats
- Swelling in the lymph nodes, which are located in the armpits, groin and neck
- Trouble breathing
- Unexpected weight loss
- Lump in the lymph nodes
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Significant and unintentional weight loss
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma limited to one lymph node or one organ is 73 percent, and the rate when it spreads to a nearby lymph node or organ is also 73 percent. When the cancer spreads to distant parts of the body, the survival rate drops to 57 percent. The American Cancer Society lists the five-year relative survival rate for all patients of Hodgkin lymphoma at 87 percent.
You can lower your risk of cancer by taking steps to build a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways you can lower your risk for this disease, as well as improve your overall basic health:
- Avoid using tobacco products. Tobacco has been tied to multiple cancers, and it is responsible for 90 percent of lung cancer deaths.
- Stay physically active. Your physical activity is related to risk for colon and breast cancer. Excess weight gained from inactivity increases the risk of multiple cancers.
- Limit alcohol consumption. It is important to be mindful of how much alcohol you drink. Alcohol intake, even in moderate amounts, can increase the risk for colon, breast, esophageal, and oropharyngeal cancer.
- Learn about screenings. Your primary care doctor can recommend appropriate cancer screenings based on your age, personal risk and family history.
- Ages 15 to 40 or older than 55 for Hodgkin lymphoma; risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma increases as you age
- Being male
- Being overweight or obese
- Chemical exposure to benzene, as well as some types of herbicides and insecticides
- Compromised immune system
- Family history, specifically a first-degree relative who has had blood cancer or lymphoma
- Infections that transform your immune system so it overreacts and produces excessive amounts of lymphocytes
- Presence of autoimmune disease
- Treatment for cancer in the past, including chemotherapy and radiation
- For your first visit, you will be directed to the registration area on the first floor of the Ben F. Roach Cancer Care Facility. Open Google Maps.
- You can register at the front desk or registration area, where a Markey team member will help guide you through your appointment.
- Several parking options are available to patients of Markey Cancer Center.
- Please remember to bring your patient packet with the completed forms. These items will help your doctor learn more about your case and determine the best plan for your care.
- To meet our patient needs, UK HealthCare accepts many forms of insurance.
Clinical trials are research studies aimed at evaluating medical, surgical or behavioral interventions to determine if a new treatment is safe and effective. At Markey, we are advancing cancer care and research to prevent, detect and treat. As a patient at Markey, you have a team of people looking at your individual case and applying the most recent cancer knowledge to give you the best chance of survival.
Markey has more open clinical trials than any other cancer center in the region, giving you access to some of the most advanced options available. Learn more about ongoing clinical trials for treating lymphoma below.
