Digital illustration of lymphocytes with surgical tools in background, symbolizing NHL treatment.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Understanding Treatment Options and the Role of Surgery

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A comprehensive guide to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, exploring when surgery might be necessary and what to expect."

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) are a diverse category of blood cancers that originate in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell integral to the immune system. These cancers exhibit significant variation in severity and behavior, making understanding their nuances critical for effective management.

While surgery has not been a primary treatment modality for NHL due to the success of chemotherapy, biological therapies, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplantation, it maintains specific roles in diagnosis and management. This article explores when surgery becomes a valuable tool in the fight against NHL.

We'll delve into the situations where surgery is considered, from confirming diagnoses to addressing complications. The aim is to provide a clear understanding of the current role of surgery in the context of modern NHL treatment strategies.

When is Surgery Necessary for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Digital illustration of lymphocytes with surgical tools in background, symbolizing NHL treatment.

Surgery plays a supporting role in the management of NHL. Here are the primary scenarios where surgical intervention may be recommended:

The primary roles of surgery in NHL management include:

Diagnostic Biopsy: When imaging results are inconclusive, a surgical biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis by allowing for histological examination of the affected tissue.
Removal of Symptomatic Limited Disease: Surgery can alleviate symptoms by removing localized tumors affecting specific organs, such as the spleen or intestines.
Splenectomy for Splenic Lymphoma: In cases of primary splenic lymphoma, splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be part of the treatment strategy.
Emergency Abdominal Surgery: Acute complications like bowel obstruction or perforation may require emergency surgery for diagnosis and palliation.

It's important to note that the decision to proceed with surgery is always made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual's overall health, the stage and type of NHL, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure.

Navigating the Future of NHL Treatment

While surgery has a limited role in the treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma it can be a valuable part of the process. Effective methods of treatment, such as chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are more common. It is critical for anyone diagnosed with NHL to have a comprehensive discussion with their oncologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Ongoing research promises further refinements in treatment strategies, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by these complex cancers.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4081/oncol.2015.274, Alternate LINK

Title: Surgery For Non-Hodgkin’S Lymphoma

Subject: Cancer Research

Journal: Oncology Reviews

Publisher: PAGEPress Publications

Authors: Elroy Patrick Weledji, George Enow Orock

Published: 2015-07-03

Everything You Need To Know

What role does surgery play in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) management given other treatment options like chemotherapy?

While chemotherapy, biological therapies, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplantation are the primary treatment modalities for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, surgery still maintains specific roles. These include diagnostic biopsies to confirm the diagnosis through histological examination when imaging is inconclusive. Surgery is also performed for the removal of symptomatic limited disease and in specific cases like splenectomy for splenic lymphoma. Emergency abdominal surgery might be required for acute complications such as bowel obstruction or perforation. The decision to use surgery is based on individual patient factors.

When might a surgical biopsy be necessary in diagnosing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and what does it provide?

A surgical biopsy becomes necessary when imaging results are inconclusive in diagnosing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It provides a definitive diagnosis through the histological examination of the affected tissue. This examination allows pathologists to determine the specific type and characteristics of the lymphoma, which is critical for guiding treatment decisions. This level of detail cannot always be obtained through non-invasive imaging techniques, making the surgical biopsy essential in certain cases.

In what situations involving the spleen might surgery be considered for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Surgery, specifically splenectomy (removal of the spleen), may be considered in cases of primary splenic lymphoma as part of the treatment strategy. Splenectomy may also be necessary if the spleen is causing complications due to its size or involvement in the lymphoma. This intervention addresses the localized disease within the spleen and can alleviate symptoms, potentially improving the patient's overall condition alongside other systemic treatments like chemotherapy.

What are some emergency scenarios related to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma that might require immediate surgery?

Emergency abdominal surgery may be required for acute complications such as bowel obstruction or perforation. These complications can arise due to the lymphoma affecting the abdominal organs. The surgical intervention is necessary for both diagnosis and palliation, aiming to relieve the immediate, life-threatening symptoms and address the underlying issue caused by the lymphoma's impact on the digestive system.

How is the decision made to incorporate surgery into a Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma treatment plan, and what factors are considered?

The decision to proceed with surgery is made on a case-by-case basis, after evaluating the individual's overall health, the stage and type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and a comprehensive assessment of the potential benefits and risks of the procedure. These factors are carefully considered by the oncologist in consultation with a surgical team to determine if surgery is a beneficial component of the overall treatment strategy, especially when combined with other treatments like chemotherapy, biological therapies, radiotherapy, or stem cell transplantation.