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. The specialist will arrange further tests to work out if you have Hodgkin lymphoma.
If Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed, the specialist will consider treatment options. Usually 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 aspects of your care.
Health professionals you may see
| haematologist* | diagnoses and treats diseases of the bone marrow, blood and lymphatic system; prescribes chemotherapy and other drugs; usually the main specialist for Hodgkin lymphoma |
| medical oncologist* | treats cancer with chemotherapy and other drug therapies; 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 |
| cancer care coordinator | coordinates your 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, and provides care, information and support throughout treatment |
| clinical trials nurse | coordinates recruitment to clinical trials and acts as a link between you and the team if you join a clinical trial |
| pharmacist | dispenses medicines and gives advice about dosage and side effects |
| dietitian | recommends an eating plan to follow while you are in treatment and recovery |
| social worker | links you to support services and helps you with emotional, practical and financial issues |
| physiotherapist, occupational therapist | assist with physical and practical problems, including restoring movement and mobility and recommending aids and equipment |
| counsellor, psychologist | help you manage your emotional response to diagnosis and treatment |
| symptom management or palliative care team | specialise in pain and symptom control to improve quality of life |
Featured resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
Additional resources
Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital, and Senior Lecturer, The University of Sydney and Macquarie University; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney; Dr Silvia Ling, Haematologist, Liverpool Hospital; Karen Maddock, Haematology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Westmead Hospital; Mary Mobayed, Consumer; Jan Priaulx, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
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