Lymphoma Cancer, Lymphoma Symptoms and Lymphoma Treatment

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is the name for a group of cancer cells that develop in your lymphatic system.

Lymphoma is one of the most common causes of death from cancer in the United States. Nearly 50,000 new cases of lymphoma are diagnosed each year.

 It is estimated that about $5 billion is spent in the United States every year on the treatment for lymphoma.

Lymphoma - Where It Begins

Lymphoma begins in your lymph system or lymphatic system. Your lymph system is the network of organs, lymphoid tissue, lymph nodes, lymph ducts and lymph vessels that produce and transport lymph from lymphoid tissues to your bloodstream. Your lymph system is the main part of your immune system and is your body's defense against infection.

Lymph is a clear fluid that is made of chyle (proteins and fats) from your intestines and white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria in your blood.

Lymphoma starts with a change to a lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell). This change to your lymphocyte causes it to become a lymphoma cell. The lymphoma cells build up and form masses that collect in your lymph nodes and other areas of your lymphatic system.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that make up most of the cells in lymphoid tissue. The two main lymphocytes are B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells) and both types can mutate into lymphoma cells. B-cell lymphomas are more prevelant in the U.S. than T-cell lymphomas.

Lymphoid tissue is found throughout your body which means that lymphomas can begin almost anywhere. The major organs and sites that contain lymphoid tissue include the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, digestive tract, and bone marrow.

What Is A Lymph Node?
Your lymph node is a small, round soft nodule that usually can not be seen or easily felt. Groups of lymph nodes are found in your neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin. Lymph nodes produce immune cells that help your body fight infection. Lymph nodes also filter lymph fluid and remove bacteria and cancer cells. When bacteria is detected in your lymph fluid, the lymph nodes produce more white blood cells to fight the bacteria. This causes your lymph nodes to swell.

Types of Lymphoma

     Hodgkin Lymphoma

     Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphoma Symptoms and Risk Factors

Lymphoma Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research