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Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic (or lymph) system. Lymphoma is a word used for cancer that develops in the lymph tissue. The lymph system is important for filtering germs and cancer cells as well as fluid from the extremities and internal organs. The lymph system produces a type of white blood cell that is very active in protecting our bodies from infection and disease. Hodgkin's Disease is a type of lymphoma. All other lymphomas are grouped together and are called non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

The average age at diagnosis is in the early 40s (using both childhood and adult statistics.) The risk of developing non- Hodgkin's lymphoma increases throughout life, and the elderly have the highest risk.

In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the cells in the lymphatic system become abnormal. Without any order or control, these cells divide and grow and the old cells may not die as cells normally do. This can begin almost anywhere in the body, as a single lymph node, a group of lymph nodes, or in another organ. This type of cancer can spread to the liver, bone marrow, the spleen, and almost any other part of the body.

The first symptom of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is often a painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin. Other symptoms might also include unexplained weight loss, night sweats, itchy skin, unexplained fevers, constant fatigue, red patches on the skin, bone pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, and abnormal blood counts.

In order to determine if non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is present, a biopsy of the affected node or organ is needed. Other testing may include physical examination, blood chemistry tests, chest x-ray, CT scan, MRI or other x-ray study. Another procedure determines the extent of the disease by using a laparoscope to explore the organs of the abdominal cavity for disease.

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most common. Sometimes, bone marrow transplantation, biological therapies, or surgery are used.

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service for more information about this topic.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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