Watchful waiting
Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach to treatment. You may have regular checkups and tests, but you won't have treatment unless your condition or symptoms get worse. Watchful waiting may be an option for conditions that progress slowly or that may improve on their own. It lets you avoid or postpone treatments that may have more risks than benefits.
Watchful waiting may also be called active surveillance, observation, or expectant management.
Why is watchful waiting (surveillance) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) 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.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.