Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphoma at Confraternität Private Hospital

Living with Lymphoma

Diagnosis, therapy and prognosis

Malignant lymphomas are malignant diseases of the lymphatic system. Initially, the clinical course is gradual and with few symptoms. Often only unspecific symptoms such as tiredness, a tendency to infections and a decline in performance are found. Unexplained fever attacks, heavy sweating at night, and weight loss may also occur. Sometimes the patient notices a non-painful swelling of a lymph node, e.g. B. in the armpit or neck region. More often, however, deeper lymph nodes, spleen or intestinal mucosa are affected and the diagnosis is made by chance during a preventive examination ("check-up").

The term "lymphoma" encompasses many very different diseases. A basic distinction is made between Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas make up the vast majority of cases and - depending on the clinical course - are divided into aggressive (rapidly growing) and indolent (slow, insidious) lymphomas. Furthermore, the distinction is made depending on the original cell type - we speak of so-called B-cell or T-cell lymphomas.

Exact diagnosis is decisive

This diversity within the disease group makes precise, comprehensive and well-coordinated diagnostics essential for prognosis and the selection of the best possible therapy. Diagnosis of lymphoma. The Confraternität Private Hospital specializes in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of cancer and has an excellent international reputation in this field.

If a malignant lymphoma is suspected, a specialist consultation is carried out, which includes anamnesis and a blood test. If external lymph nodes are affected, a biopsy or a resection is then performed and the tissue obtained is primarily examined histologically for malignancy. If the result is positive, a precise histological and immunohistochemical diagnosis is carried out. Depending on the subtype, further tests such as molecular examinations or so-called gene expression analyzes (also called tumor profiling) are done to further classify the disease.

The correct detection of the stage is particularly important for the diagnosis of lymphomas. Therefore, imaging examinations, in particular sonography of the lymph node stations and CT, are carried out regularly. Particularly in the case of Hodgkin's lymphoma and the so-called aggressive lymphomas, an examination is carried out using PET-CT to precisely record the spread of tumor cells in the body. Depending on the lymphoma subtype, a bone marrow or lumbar puncture may also be required.

Interdisciplinary approach

Diagnosing and treating cancer is always a medical teamwork. Specially trained radiologists, surgeons, internists as well as radio-oncologists and oncologists contribute their expertise in a so-called tumor board in order to determine the optimal and individually tailored diagnosis and therapy. Nevertheless, every patient has a personal oncologist who, as their primary contact, coordinates all measures and accompanies the patient through all diagnostic and therapeutic steps.

Therapy and prognosis

Depending on the classification of the lymphoma and the stage, an individual drug therapy plan (antibodies, chemotherapeutic agents) tailored to the patient is drawn up. The preparations are manufactured just-in-time by pharmacists shortly before the therapy. Tolerance and effectiveness of the therapy are closely monitored by the specialist and, if necessary, the therapy is fine-tuned.

Unfortunately, recurrences can never be completely ruled out. However, through close checks as part of our aftercare programs, we can react quickly and purposefully in order to keep the disease permanently under control.

Prof. Dr. Johannes Drach

In addition to patient care, Prof. Drach has been involved in international research projects for years and is now one of the world's leading experts in the field of lymphoma and multiple myeloma. As the author of numerous scientific publications and studies, he emphasizes the importance of international patient studies. The latest research results must always be considered in the selection of therapy for the benefit of the patient.

"The introduction of new preparations and combinations of preparations as well as the individual adjustment of the therapy have significantly improved the prognosis and quality of life of patients."

Please contact us for further information or appontments!

Contact:

Confraternität Private Hospital

Skodagasse 32
1080 Vienna • Austria

T: +43 1 401 14-5873
E: international@pkj.at