Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

• What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
• What are risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
• What are symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
• How is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed?
• How is staging for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma determined?
• What is the treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
• Chemotherapy
• Biological therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Stem cell transplantation
• Patient Discussions: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas - Describe Your Experience
• How do I go about getting a second opinion?
• What support is available for cancer patients?
• What follow-up care is necessary for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
• Where can I get information about clinical trials?
• What resources are available for cancer patients?
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma At A Glance

Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Differences and Similarities Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Both Hodgkin's disease (sometimes referred to as Hodgkin's lymphoma) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are cancers that originate in a type of white blood cell known as a lymphocyte, an important component of the body's immune system. Both of these malignancies may cause similar symptoms, but the conditions themselves are different. The distinction between Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is made upon examination of the cancerous material (from a biopsy or aspiration of the tumor tissue). The type of abnormal cells identified in the sample determines whether a lymphoma is classified as Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is much more common than Hodgkin's disease. In the United States, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the sixth most common cancer among males and the fifth most common cancer among females. Furthermore, the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been steadily increasing over the last decades. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is actually a heterogeneous group of over 30 types of cancers with differences in the microscopic appearance and biological characterization of the malignant lymphocytes. The different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma also have differences in their biologic behavior (such as the tendency to grow aggressively) that affect a patient's overall outlook (prognosis). Hodgkin's disease is much less common than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and accounts for only about 1% of all cancers in the U.S. The incidence of this cancer has actually been declining in recent years, in contrast to the increases in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease is confirmed by visualizing tissue samples using a microscope. Learn about the risks of non-Hodgkin's disease and Hodgkin's lymphoma » Top Searched Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Terms: symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, lymph nodes, lymphedema, melanoma, myeloma

What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is cancer that begins in cells of the immune system. The immune system fights infections and other diseases.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. The lymphatic system includes the following:

• Lymph vessels: The lymphatic system has a network of lymph vessels. Lymph vessels branch into all the tissues of the body.



• Lymph: The lymph vessels carry clear fluid called lymph. Lymph contains white blood cells, especially lymphocytes such as B cells and T cells.



• Lymph nodes: Lymph vessels are connected to small, round masses of tissue called lymph nodes. Groups of lymph nodes are found in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin. Lymph nodes store white blood cells. They trap and remove bacteria or other harmful substances that may be in the lymph.



• Other parts of the lymphatic system: Other parts of the lymphatic system include the tonsils, thymus, and spleen. Lymphatic tissue is also found in other parts of the body including the stomach, skin, and small intestine.

Because lymphatic tissue is in many parts of the body, Hodgkin lymphoma can start almost anywhere. Usually, it's first found in a lymph node.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma begins when a lymphocyte (usually a B cell) becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells don't die when they should. They don't protect the body from infections or other diseases. The buildup of extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.

See the Staging section for information about lymphoma that has spread.

This picture shows lymph nodes above and below the diaphragm. It also shows the lymph vessels, tonsils, thymus, and spleen.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas - Describe Your Experience

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Comment submissions for this question have ended.
See 21 Viewer Comments

View Comments

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• dexamethasone oral, Decadron, DexPak - Information on dexamethasone oral (Decadron, DexPak), a drug used to reduce inflammation in many conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, acute gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease
• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
• Night Sweats - Night sweats have many different causes. A doctors must take a complete medical history and order tests to find the cause of the underlying medical condition that is responsible for night sweats.

Read more Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Radiation May Raise Stroke Risk After Hodgkin's
• Still Too Few Women in Cancer Trials
• Immune-Based Lymphoma Treatment Shows Promise
• More Than 650,000 Cancer Deaths Avoided