Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Information

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) includes many different types of cancers the are involved with the lymph system.

Lymph tissue is found in many parts of the body, therefore Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can show up almost anywhere and can then spread throughout the body to almost any organ.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually starts in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, or bone marrow. It can also affect the intestines, stomach, thyroid gland, skin, and brain.

There are many different types and subtypes of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and in order to give the best treatment, doctors will need to determine the specific type that is affecting the patient.

B-Cell Lymphomas account for 80-90% of all Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas. The B-cell is a type of lymphocyte that prodcues antibodies to fight infection. B-cell lymphocytes are the most common lymphocytes in your bloodstream and are crucial in building a strong immune system.

There are many different types of B-cell lymphomas that can be either fast or slow growing. Some of the more common types of B-cell lymphomas include Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Follicular lymphoma, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), Mantle cell lymphoma, Marginal zone B-cell lymphomas, Burkitt lymphoma, Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, Hairy cell leukemia, and Primary centeral nervous system (CNS) lymphoma.

B-Cell Lymphoma occurs when your B-cells mutate and become cancerous. As your cancerous B-cells clone themselves, the cancer spreads. The cause of B-Cell Lymphoma is not understood and doctors suggest reviewing the risk factors.

T-Cell lymphomas account for less than 15% of the non-Hodgkin lymphomas. There are Precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and Peripheral T-cell lymphomas.

Inherited syndromes can predispose individuals to later development of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These inherited disorders are uncommon, but the concept of predisposition in genes is currently being studied to determine if they are involved in the sporadic occurrence of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in healthy individuals.

Incidence of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

The non-Hodgkin lymphoma rate has increased greatly in the past two decades. It is estimated that during 2009, about 86,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Incidence and mortality rates are higher for whites than other ethinc groups. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can affect both children and adults, but it is most common in adults. NHL is the sixth most common cancer in men and the fifth most common cancer in women.

Lymphoma Information

Types of Lymphoma

     Hodgkin Lymphoma

     Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphoma Symptoms and Risk Factors

Lymphoma Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research