Patient information from BMJ

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Aug 06, 2021

Being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be very worrying. You may find it hard to think of everything you want to ask your doctor. It might help to make a list of questions to ask your doctor.

Here are some questions you might want to ask.

What is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma? What type do I have?
How far has it spread?
What kind of treatment will I need?
Will treatment stop me working, running a household, or looking after my children?
What are the main side effects? Will treatment be painful?
Will I be treated at a cancer centre where the doctors are used to dealing with my kind of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Does this centre do research on new treatments for my kind of lymphoma?
Can we talk about the pros and cons of taking part in a study of new treatments?
Will I be able to have children after my treatment?
Where can I go for help and support? Who can I talk to?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

What did you think about this patient information guide?

Complete the online survey or scan the QR code to help us to ensure our content is of the highest quality and relevant for patients. The survey is anonymous and will take around 5 minutes to complete.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer