Radiation therapy alone may be the treatment of choice for some patients, especially those who have only a single, small tumor. Some types of NHL respond best to chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is directed to the areas of the body known to harbor cancer cells. As an extra precaution, radiation may be directed to a broader area, such as to all the lymph nodes in the region of a known cancerous site. The treatment is generally given on an outpatient basis.
Radiation therapy can cause fatigue and red or dry skin in the treated area.
Radiation directed to the chest and neck can cause patients to have a dry, sore throat and some trouble swallowing. Patients may also have shortness of breath or a dry cough. Radiation therapy to the abdomen may cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Some patients who receive radiation to the spine may also have tingling or numbness in their arms, legs and lower back. The chemotherapy used to treat NHL can cause sterility as can radiation directed to the pelvis.