What is head and neck lymphoma?
Lymphoma within the head and neck is cancer that develops in the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are commonly found within the main part of the body’s “drainage” system called lymph nodes, as well as in other kinds of body tissue. There are 600 lymph nodes in the body. Approximately 300 nodes are in the head and neck. Lymphoma is the second most common malignancy occurring in the head and neck area.
Lymphoma is classified as Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While lymphoma primarily affects lymph nodes, it can also occur in non-lymph node tissue. This is known as extranodal lymphoma. Extranodal lymphoma can be found in various tissues such as tonsils, parotid gland, thyroid gland, tongue, paranasal sinuses, and nasal cavity. While extranodal Hodgkin lymphoma is rare, a larger number—about 25 percent—of non-Hodgkin lymphomas are extranodal. Approximately 33 percent of non-Hodgkin lymphomas are found within the head and neck.
Both types of lymphoma have similar symptoms and for the most part will have comparable treatment plans, though they may vary in the ways they respond to treatment. Our head and neck cancer care experts at Penn Medicine work together with ear, nose, and throat specialists using a multidisciplinary approach that treats the entire individual. We use the latest tools and therapies to diagnose and treat various types of head and neck lymphoma using a tailored approach that’s right for you.
Symptoms of lymphoma in the neck or head
The most common symptom of lymphoma in the head and neck is the development of painless and enlarged lymph nodes along the side of the neck. Other symptoms can include nausea and headaches. B cell lymphoma is associated with weight loss, night sweats, and fevers. Signs of non-lymphatic cancers of the head and neck can have more severe symptoms, including:
- Bleeding from the gums or the nose
- Swelling of the eyes
- Blocked nasal passages
- Numbness or paralysis in the face
How is head and neck lymphoma diagnosed?
We use the latest lymphoma diagnostic tools and approaches to make an accurate diagnosis. Your care team will begin by asking about your medical history, doing a physical exam that includes examining the lymph nodes in your head and neck, and ordering blood tests. Based on these findings, they may recommend imaging tests of the head and neck or a biopsy of all or part of a lymph node to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for head and neck lymphoma
Lymphoma in the head and neck area generally responds well to treatment. You care team will assess the type, location, and stage of cancer and identify the most effective lymphoma treatment or combination of therapies based on their clinical knowledge, experience, and evidence-backed research. Surgery is rarely required.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.