Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) refers to any type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system of the body except Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's Disease. Lymphoma develops when lymphocytes, a specific type of white blood cell, begin to replicate uncontrollably and produce a large agglomeration of cells known as a tumor. The many different types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are classified based on the rate of the cancer and on the type of cell affected.
Where NHL Occurs
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may develop in any part of the body that contains lymphoid tissue. While the lymph nodes are a common site for this type of cancer, a tumor may also originate within:
Once a tumor begins to amass, the cancer may spread throughout the body via the blood stream. The tumor may be made up of either B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes, although lymphoma in B cells is more common. It is important to know whether B cells or T cells are affected in a case of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma because the recommended treatment varies by type. Treatment options may include radiation, chemotherapy, antibody medication, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplants.
NHL Aggressiveness
The rate of the spread of lymphoma also varies widely depending on the specific type of cancer. Some Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are highly aggressive and may spread throughout the body at a rapid rate. These types of NHL are often extremely difficult to treat effectively. Other types of NHL are much less aggressive and develop slowly. If a less aggressive form of NHL is diagnosed and treated early on, the chance of survival is much higher than for more aggressive types of lymphomas.
For more information on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, visit the website NHLproject.org.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) refers to any type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system of the body except Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's Disease. Lymphoma develops when lymphocytes, a specific type of white blood cell, begin to replicate uncontrollably and produce a large agglomeration of cells known as a tumor. The many different types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are classified based on the rate of the cancer and on the type of cell affected.
Where NHL Occurs
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may develop in any part of the body that contains lymphoid tissue. While the lymph nodes are a common site for this type of cancer, a tumor may also originate within:
- Bone Marrow
- Digestive System
- Spleen
- Thymus Gland
- Tonsils/Adenoids
Once a tumor begins to amass, the cancer may spread throughout the body via the blood stream. The tumor may be made up of either B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes, although lymphoma in B cells is more common. It is important to know whether B cells or T cells are affected in a case of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma because the recommended treatment varies by type. Treatment options may include radiation, chemotherapy, antibody medication, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplants.
NHL Aggressiveness
The rate of the spread of lymphoma also varies widely depending on the specific type of cancer. Some Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are highly aggressive and may spread throughout the body at a rapid rate. These types of NHL are often extremely difficult to treat effectively. Other types of NHL are much less aggressive and develop slowly. If a less aggressive form of NHL is diagnosed and treated early on, the chance of survival is much higher than for more aggressive types of lymphomas.
For more information on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, visit the website NHLproject.org.