Lymphomas are cancers (malignancies) of the cells that make up the immune system and which reside in the lymphatic system. Lymphoma affects a specific type of white blood cell called lymphocytes, which help fight infection. The 2 main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help fight infection. Lymphocytes are found in the lymphatic system and in blood-forming organs, such as the bone marrow. Lymphomas can develop from either B lymphocytes (which produce antibodies) or T lymphocytes (which fight viral infections). Lymphoma cells, which are cancerous lymphocytes, may remain confined to a single lymph node or can spread to bone marrow, the spleen, or virtually any other organ. The 2 main types of lymphoma are non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease).
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma. About 65,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are diagnosed each year, usually in older people and in people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include painless enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin. Cough and difficulty breathing may occur if enlarged lymph nodes in the chest press against airways. Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may also experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss, fevers, or progressive leg swelling caused by enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) is more common among males than females and most often affects people between the ages of 15 and 34 and those older than 60. About 8,000 new cases of Hodgkin's disease occur each year in the United States. Symptoms of Hodgkin's disease include 1 or more enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or sometimes in the armpit or groin. Fever, night sweats, weight loss, itching, and fatigue can also be caused by Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma may experience abdominal or chest discomfort due to enlargement of lymph nodes.
