Watchful Waiting (Surveillance) for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Treatment Overview

Watchful waiting (surveillance) is a period in the treatment of some types of NHL in which you are not having treatment. It does not mean that your doctors are giving up or refusing to give you treatment.

What To Expect

During this time, you will:

• See your doctor on a regular basis.
• Have regular medical tests. These may include blood tests, such as chemistry screens and complete blood counts (CBCs). They may also include imaging tests, such as a CT scan.
• Be told which symptoms to report to your doctor immediately.

Why It Is Done

Watchful waiting may be an option for you if:

• Your lymphoma is slow-growing (indolent or low-grade).
• Your lymphoma may be a kind that does not respond well to chemotherapy or radiation therapy in its current state.
• You are living comfortably and do not have significant symptoms from your lymphoma.

How Well It Works

Watchful waiting is often as effective as having treatment for some types of NHL. Some people with slow-growing NHL may live a long time without symptoms.

Risks

There do not seem to be any risks involved in watchful waiting for some types of NHL when you are being watched closely by your doctor. If your lymphoma changes, other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used to control your disease.