Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma- during pregnancy
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, during pregnancy: A cancer that originates in the lymphatic system and occurs during pregnancy. The greatest problem is the fact that the cancer is usually quite aggressive and delays in delivery often results in delayed treatment and a poor prognosisThere are different types of treatment for pregnant patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Different types of treatment are available for pregnant patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Treatment is carefully chosen to protect the fetus. Treatment decisions are based on the mother’s wishes, the stage of the non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and the age of the fetus. The treatment plan may change as the symptoms, cancer, and pregnancy change. Choosing the most appropriate cancer treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and health care team. Three types of standard treatment are used: Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. To avoid any risk to the fetus, radiation therapy should be postponed until after delivery, if possible. If immediate treatment is needed, pregnant women with non-Hodgkin lymphoma may decide to continue the pregnancy and receive radiation therapy. However, lead used to shield the fetus may not protect it from scattered radiation that could possibly cause cancer in the future. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). Combination chemotherapy is treatment with more than one anticancer drug. The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. The fetus is exposed to chemotherapy when the mother is treated and some anticancer drugs cause birth defects. Because anticancer drugs are passed to the fetus through the mother, both must be watched closely when chemotherapy is given. Watchful waiting Watchful waiting is closely monitoring a patient’s condition without giving any treatment until symptoms appear or change. Treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma During Pregnancy See the PDQ summary on Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment for more information on the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma During the First Trimester of Pregnancy When aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy, medical oncologists may advise the patient to end her pregnancy so that treatment may begin. Treatment is usually chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy. Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma During the Second and Third Trimester of Pregnancy When possible, treatment should be postponed until after an early delivery, so that the fetus will not be exposed to anticancer drugs or radiation therapy. However, sometimes the cancer will need to be treated immediately in order to increase the mother's chance of survival. Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma During Pregnancy Women who have indolent (slow-growing) non-Hodgkin lymphoma can usually delay treatment with watchful waiting.
