Steven A. Sandler, M.D.
Board-Certified in
Hematology & Oncology

Telephone Numbers
Office: (847) 933-0875
Fax: (847) 933-0878
Answering Service: (773) 594-7340

Skokie Office
9669 Kenton, Suite 510
Skokie, IL 60076
Map and directions

Chicago Office
7447 W. Talcott Ave., Suite 318
Chicago, IL 60631
Map and directions

Call us at 847-933-0875 or send Dr. Sandler a message via the form below. Please note that this form is for non-emergencies only.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Information and Treatment

About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or NHL, is a group of blood cancers that start in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body's immune system. Lymphocytes are in the lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues, such as the spleen and bone marrow. Although people can get non-Hodgkin at any age, it is more common in people over age 60.

There are four main subgroups of NHL and over 40 different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These types can be divided into aggressive (fast-growing) and indolent (slow-growing) types, and can be formed from either B-cells or T-cells.

Signs and symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma may include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever and night sweats
• Weight loss
• Coughing, chest pain, or trouble breathing
• Pain, swelling, or feeling of fullness in the abdomen
• Weakness and fatigue that won’t go away

Also see Hodgkin Lymphoma / Lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

The treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease. In early stages of non-Hodgkin’s some patients don’t require treatment and will be closely monitored.  Other patients with more aggressive tumors are treated with chemotherapy with a high degree of success.  For slower growing tumors, chemotherapy is combined with other medicines such as Rituxan directed against the cancerous cells.

There are many new treatments available at the Sandler Cancer Treatment Center that are well-tolerated and effective.