Lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin)

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the immune system, specifically the lymphatic system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a group of cancers that originate from the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. It is the most common type of lymphoma, accounting for about 85% of all lymphoma cases.

What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurs when there is an abnormal growth of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, spleen, or other lymphoid tissues. This abnormal growth can lead to the formation of tumors, which can spread to other parts of the body. NHL can be classified into several subtypes based on the type of lymphocyte affected and the aggressiveness of the disease.

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma may vary depending on the location and extent of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin area
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Itching
• Redness and swelling of the skin
• Pain or discomfort in the chest, abdomen, or bones
• Shortness of breath or coughing
• Abdominal pain or swelling

Types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

There are several subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Follicular lymphoma
• Mantle cell lymphoma
• Marginal zone lymphoma
• Lymphoblastic lymphoma
• Burkitt lymphoma
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Treatments for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the subtype, stage, and extent of the disease. Common treatments include:

• Chemotherapy: uses drugs to kill cancer cells
• Radiation therapy: uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: uses the body's immune system to fight cancer
• Targeted therapy: uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth
• Stem cell transplantation: replaces damaged stem cells with healthy ones
• Surgery: may be used to remove affected lymph nodes or other tissues
• Watchful waiting: monitoring the disease without active treatment, often used for slow-growing types of NHL

Stages of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The stages of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are:

• Stage I: cancer is limited to one lymph node group or one area outside the lymph nodes
• Stage II: cancer is in two or more lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm
• Stage III: cancer is in lymph node groups on both sides of the diaphragm
• Stage IV: cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bone marrow, or lungs

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The prognosis and survival rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma vary depending on the subtype, stage, and response to treatment. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for people with NHL is around 72%. However, this can range from around 30% for some aggressive subtypes to over 90% for some indolent subtypes.