281-647-7766
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Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
Office HoursMon – Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:30 – 4:00 · Sat: 9:00 – 1:00
Fri: 8:30 – 4:00 · Sat: 9:00 – 1:00
281-647-7766
Home/Cancer Treatment/Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not one disease but more than 60 subtypes, and the right treatment depends on knowing exactly which one you have. Board-certified oncologists Dr. Mohammad Riaz and Dr. Shagufta Naqvi diagnose and treat every major type in our Katy office. Same-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients.
Overview
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of cancers that start in B cells or T cells, two kinds of lymphocytes in the immune system. About 85% of cases in the U.S. are B-cell lymphomas. Doctors classify NHL by cell type and by how fast it grows, and both shape the treatment plan.
The most common types include:
NHL is different from Hodgkin lymphoma. A biopsy reviewed by an expert pathologist tells them apart.
The most common sign is a painless swollen lymph node in the neck, armpit or groin. Other symptoms include fevers, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, a full or swollen belly, and cough or shortness of breath. Slow-growing types may cause no symptoms at all.
These symptoms are much more often caused by infections or other conditions. See a doctor if they last more than two weeks. Read more about swollen lymph nodes and lymphoma and enlarged lymph nodes.
Age is the biggest risk factor; more than half of people are 65 or older at diagnosis. A weakened immune system, autoimmune diseases, certain infections such as H. pylori, HIV, hepatitis C and Epstein-Barr virus, and past chemotherapy or radiation also raise the risk.
An excisional or core-needle biopsy of a lymph node confirms NHL and its exact subtype. Special lab tests on the biopsy (flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and genetic tests) guide treatment. PET/CT scans, blood tests and sometimes a bone marrow biopsy determine the stage.
NHL is staged from I to IV with the Lugano system. Doctors also use risk scores, such as the International Prognostic Index (IPI), which looks at age, stage, LDH, performance status and organ involvement.
Treatment depends on the subtype, stage and your health. Aggressive lymphomas such as DLBCL are usually treated right away with rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy (for example R-CHOP or Pola-R-CHP). Slow-growing lymphomas may be watched closely at first, then treated with immunotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted pills when needed.
Rituximab or obinutuzumab combined with chemotherapy, such as R-CHOP, Pola-R-CHP or bendamustine-rituximab.
Used for: DLBCL, follicular, mantle cell and marginal zone lymphoma
Careful “watch and wait” with regular exams and scans for slow-growing lymphoma without symptoms.
Used for: Early follicular and other indolent lymphomas
Oral BTK inhibitors (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib) and other drugs aimed at the pathways lymphoma cells depend on.
Used for: Mantle cell, marginal zone lymphoma, SLL/CLL
Newer immunotherapies such as epcoritamab, glofitamab and mosunetuzumab that bring your T cells to the lymphoma.
Used for: Relapsed DLBCL and follicular lymphoma
Advanced cellular therapies and stem cell transplants, coordinated with Houston transplant centers when needed.
Used for: Lymphoma that returns or does not respond
Focused radiation to a limited area, alone or after chemotherapy.
Used for: Early-stage or bulky disease
We also treat infections that drive certain lymphomas. For example, early stomach MALT lymphoma caused by H. pylori can often be treated with antibiotics alone.
About 74% of people with NHL are alive five years after diagnosis, but the outlook varies widely by type. Many aggressive lymphomas are cured with first treatment, and many slow-growing lymphomas are controlled for years. Death rates have dropped about 2% a year over the past decade.
Your oncologist will explain what your specific subtype, stage and risk score mean for you. Survival statistics are averages from people treated years ago and do not reflect the newest therapies.
We prevent and treat side effects such as nausea, low blood counts, infections and fatigue, and we monitor you closely with labs and scans. Dr. Riaz completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, so symptom control and quality of life are part of every plan.
After treatment you will have regular follow-up visits and blood tests. For slow-growing lymphoma, many people live normal lives for years with periodic check-ups. Learn about chemotherapy for lymphoma, lymphoma symptoms in women and stage 4 lymphoma outlook.
Call 281-647-7766 or request a call back. Newly diagnosed patients can usually be seen the same day. We accept most major insurance plans and Medicare, including AARP, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare and TMHP, and our staff handles prior authorizations before treatment begins.
Bring your referral, biopsy or pathology report, recent scans and lab results, a list of your medicines and your insurance card. If you do not have every record, call anyway. Our team can request them for you. You can also fill out our patient registration form ahead of time.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist
Dr. Naqvi brings years of experience treating a wide range of cancers with a focus on personalized medicine, patient advocacy and compassionate care.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist & Palliative Care Specialist
Dr. Riaz completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, so patients receive cutting-edge cancer therapy while keeping the highest possible quality of life.
Our oncology office is located at 410 West Grand Parkway South, Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494, with easy access from I-10 and the Grand Parkway. Patients come to us for non-hodgkin lymphoma care from Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Memorial, the Energy Corridor, West Houston and communities throughout Greater Houston.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM · Friday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM · Saturday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Phone: 281-647-7766 · Fax: 281-647-7767 · Map & directions
Many types are. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common type, is cured in a majority of patients with first-line treatment. Slow-growing types are usually not cured but can often be controlled for many years.
For slow-growing lymphoma without symptoms, starting treatment right away has not been shown to help people live longer. Careful monitoring spares you side effects until treatment is truly needed.
R-CHOP combines rituximab (an antibody) with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone. It is given every 3 weeks, usually for 6 cycles, and is a standard treatment for many aggressive B-cell lymphomas.
Lymphoma is rarely inherited. Having a close relative with lymphoma slightly raises the risk, but most people with lymphoma have no family history.
Routine blood tests can show changes that raise suspicion, but a biopsy is needed to diagnose lymphoma. Read more: will cancer show up in blood work.
Premier Oncology Consultants treats non-Hodgkin lymphoma at 410 West Grand Parkway South, Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494, serving Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Memorial and West Houston.
Sources
This page is for education only and does not replace medical advice from your own physician. Treatment decisions should be made with your care team based on your individual diagnosis.
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