Minnesota State Wire

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, a patient will probably have many questions and the answers vary widely by type of cancer, but with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is important to start having conversations early about this fast-growing form of cancer. 

Dr. Veronika Bachanova, a professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, said it's important to ask the health care team what their experience is in treating lymphoma.  

"A good provider will always be willing to answer any and all of your questions," Bachanova said. "If you are unsure about anything about the treatment you are receiving, just ask."

If a DLBCL patient is not sure that they're receiving the most appropriate treatment or just would like to discuss this complex medical situation with a different perspective, Bachanova said a second opinion is a good idea. She also said choosing treatment from a major academic center has many benefits as well.

"The benefit of receiving treatment at an academic center comes through their dedicated expert teams that typically have providers who specialize in your type of cancer—lymphoma," Bachanova said. "You'll also, more often than not, have access to up-to-date diagnostics, the most advanced treatments and even clinical trials. This is particularly important for the treatment of less common cancers, like lymphoma."

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that attacks white blood cells and lymph nodes, crucial elements of the immune system. Treatment options vary by the stage of cancer, but may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. 

As a DLBCL patient, it's important to find a physician that is attentive and caring. 

"We, as physicians, always treat our patients like they are members of our families," Bachanova said. "As a physician, it is my duty to ensure every patient has access to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities."