Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develop in the lymph nodes and tissues of the lymphatic system, an important part of the body’s immune system.Lymphomas begin in the white blood cells (lymphocytes) and affect the body’s ability to fight infection. Bone marrow makes red blood cells, blood platelets, and white blood cells. Lymphomas sometimes start from bone marrow lymphocytes.

The lymphatic system is made up of organs, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels throughout the body, making up a major part of the body’s immune system. Lymph nodes are bean-sized organs found throughout the body, primarily in the neck, armpit, groin and the chest and abdomen. They are connected by a system of lymphatic vessels. These vessels are like veins but, instead of carrying blood, they carry lymph and immune system cells.

The lymphatic system includes:

• Spleen: The spleen is an organ under the lower part of the rib cage on the left side of the body. The spleen makes white blood cells and other immune system cells to help fight infection.
• Thymus Gland: The thymus lies behind the upper part of the breastbone and in front of the heart.
• Adenoids and Tonsils: These are collections of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat.

When diagnosed with iNHL, I told my physician about my daughter's wedding. He worked with me to develop a treatment plan that accommodated this special day. Because of this initial line of communication we've developed a relationship that made all the difference in the world.

- Jane F., follicular NHL patient

Find information on the two most common types of lymphoma: Hodgkin Lymohoma (HL) & Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). 

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a blood cancer that begins in a specific type of white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are part of the immune system. HL occurs when a healthy white blood cell becomes abnormal, dividing and making copies of itself in the body. In the United States, each year approximately 9,000 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and, of these, 4,000 are children, teenagers and young adults.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is one of the most common cancers in the United States. It accounts for about 4 percent of all cancer cases. More than 95 percent of cases occur in adults but certain types are common among children. NHL is the name of a group of blood cancers that develop in the white blood cells (leukocytes[G1] ). There are about 60 different subtypes of NHL. Most subtypes fall within two main groups, named for the cell where the lymphoma starts: B-cell lymphomas or T-cell lymphomas. NHL can be either indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast growing). Most NHL start in B-cells.