What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that make antibodies (B cells) or destroy germ and abnormal cells (T cells). There are different kinds of lymphoma, and the survival rates and treatment methods may vary according to type.
Types of Lymphoma:
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphoma in the upper body, such as the neck, chest, and armpits.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphoma that can start in any part of the body with lymph nodes.
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
A very rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that causes overproduction of an abnormal protein called macroglobulin.
Lymphoma of the Skin
A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that starts in the skin.
The American Cancer Society estimates the case and death rates of the different types of lymphomas according to the table* below. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are the most common. Whereas Lymphomas of the Skin and Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia are rarer and have insufficient data for reliable death rate estimates.
| Hodgkin Lymphoma | Non-Hodgkin lymphoma | Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia | Lymphoma of the skin | |
| Cases | 8,500 | 80,000 | 1,000-5000 | ~3,200 (4% of Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas) |
| Deaths | 900 | 20,000 | – | – |
*Estimated case and death rates for lymphoma in 2024, ACS.
Lymphoma may cause the following symptoms:
- Unexplained fevers
- Swelling of the lymph nodes and abdomen
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Breathing problems, chest pain, and cough
- Rashes and itching
Should you experience any of those symptoms, it is wise to seek immediate medical attention. Despite the absence of standard screening protocols for lymphoma, it can be found early. There are diagnostic tests available, such as:
- PET scans
- MRIs
- Blood tests
- Spinal tap
- Bone marrow biopsy
Survival rates for lymphoma are measured through different approaches. The American Cancer Society uses the SEER database to estimate the 5-year relative survival rates for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They are classified into either localized, regional, or distant.
At the localized stage, the cancer is only in one lymph node, lymphoid organ, or one organ outside the lymph system. Survival rates are highest in this stage. The regional stage is when two or more of these areas are affected.
The distant stage is when the cancer spreads to other organs of the body that are far from the point of origin. This stage has the lowest survival rates.
| Hodgkin lymphoma | Non-hodgkin lymphoma (B-cell) | Non-hodgkin lymphoma (T-cell) | |
| Localized | 93% | 73% | 97% |
| Regional | 95% | 74% | 91% |
| Distant | 83% | 58% | 87% |
5-year relative survival rates for Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
For Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, survival rates are based on the International Prognostic Scoring System for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (ISSWM):
| 5-year survival rate | Median survival rate | |
| Low | 87% | 12 years |
| Intermediate | 68% | 8 years |
| High | 36% | 3.5 years |
5-year and median survival rates for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Lymphoma can be treated with a variety of methods, including:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted Drug Therapy
- Radiation
The specific treatments will depend on overall health, the stage of the cancer, and the kind of lymphoma you may have.
What Can I Do if I was Misdiagnosed or Diagnosed Late With Lymphoma in New York?
Seek a medical malpractice attorney for legal advice if you’ve been misdiagnosed or diagnosed late. Early detection of lymphoma is crucial because as cancers advance, the treatments necessary become more intense, and the likelihood of side effects and complications increases. If you or a loved one have been misdiagnosed, or diagnosed late with lymphoma in New York, call the Porter Law Group. We can evaluate your case for free, and help get you and your family the answers, and financial compensation you deserve.
The Lawyers at Porter Law Group have secured millions of dollars* for victims of medical malpractice in New York. Our experienced trial lawyers have an established track record for medical malpractice claims due to late cancer diagnosis. We also work with board-certified medical experts who can examine your medical records and test results, and testify if your cancer should have been caught sooner.
Can I Sue for Medical Malpractice if I was Diagnosed Late with Lymphoma in New York?
Patients may be eligible to sue medical staff if their lymphoma is diagnosed late. However, medical negligence cases are complex, especially in the State of New York. You need to deal with the numerous documentary and filing requirements and be aware of the statute of limitations within which to file your claim. You also need the help of a medical expert who can examine your case, and testify if your injury was caused by your doctor’s deviation from the expected standard of care.
It is not enough to show that you’ve been injured to receive compensation for medical malpractice. And not all cases of delayed diagnosis are medical negligence. You need to establish that there was a doctor-patient relationship, that there was a deviation from the expected standard of care for patients with similar conditions, and that this deviation was the proximate cause of your injury.
The Porter Law Group works with experts in the medical field who can review your case, and testify on your behalf if your doctor should have caught your lymphoma sooner. And our experienced medical malpractice lawyers stand ready to bring your case forward and help you receive compensation if you’ve been a victim of medical negligence in the State of New York.
Contact us at 833-PORTER9, or e-mail us at info@porterlawteam.com to discuss the details of our experience representing other clients and the results we were able to obtain in the past for clients who also suffered from cancer. In many ways, our results speak for themselves, and we will stand ready to help you and your family in your time of greatest need.
