Your general practitioner (GP) will arrange the first tests to assess your symptoms. If these tests do not rule out cancer, you will usually be referred to a specialist, such as a haematologist or medical oncologist. The specialist will arrange further tests to work out what type of lymphoma you have.
If Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed, the specialist will consider your treatment options. Often these will be discussed with other health professionals at what is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. During and after treatment, you will see a range of health professionals who specialise in different areas of your care.
Health professionals you may see
| haematologist | diagnoses and treats diseases of the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system; prescribes chemotherapy and other drug therapies; conducts stem cell transplants and CAR T-cell therapy |
| medical oncologist | treats cancer with drug therapies, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy; in some cases, may be the main treating specialist instead of a haematologist |
| radiation oncologist | treats cancer by prescribing and overseeing a course of radiation therapy |
| radiation therapist | plans and delivers radiation therapy |
| cancer care coordinator | coordinates care, liaises with other members of the MDT and supports you and your family throughout treatment; care may also be coordinated by a clinical nurse consultant (CNC) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) |
| haematology nurse | administers chemotherapy and other drugs; provides care, information and support throughout treatment |
| physiotherapist, occupational therapist | assist with physical or practical problems, including restoring movement and mobility, and recommending aids and equipment |
| social worker | links you to support services and helps you with emotional, practical and financial issues |
| counsellor, psychologist | help you manage your emotional response to diagnosis and treatment |
| pharmacist | dispenses medicines and gives advice about dosage and side effects |
| dietitian | helps with nutrition concerns and recommends changes to diet during treatment and recovery |
| palliative care specialists and nurses | work closely with the GP and cancer team to help control symptoms and maintain quality of life |
→ READ MORE: Lymphoma treatment
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More resources
Dr Ian Bilmon, Haematologist, Westmead Hospital and Sydney Adventist Hospital, NSW; Suzanne Basha, Consumer; Jo Cryer, Clinical Nurse Consultant Haematology, St George Hospital, NSW; Jessica Elliott, Senior Social Worker, Youth Cancer Services, Crown Princess Mary Centre Westmead, NSW; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Haematologist, Concord and Macquarie University Hospitals, NSW; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Melanoma Institute Australia, GenesisCare, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney, NSW; Karen Maddock, CAR T Cell and Cell Therapy Nurse Practitioner, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Jenn Partenfelder, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Elise Toyer, Clinical Nurse Consultant Haematology, Blacktown Hospital, NSW.
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