What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphocytes, the cells of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system works with other parts of your immune system to help your body fight infection and disease. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymph vessels (which are a little like veins), lymph nodes and the lymphatic organs (such as the spleen, thymus, tonsils and bone marrow).
Lymph is a clear, yellowish fluid that contains lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are special white blood cells that help fight infection. They develop in the bone marrow from immature cells (called stem cells). There are two kinds of lymphocytes:
Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped glands. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in your neck, underarms, chest, abdomen and groin. Lymph nodes filter out waste, bacteria and unwanted cells, including cancer cells, as the lymph passes through them. Lymphatic vessels collect lymph from different tissues throughout the body, filter it through the lymph nodes and return it to the bloodstream.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma develops when a lymphocyte, either a B-cell or T-cell, becomes abnormal. It can begin in almost any part of the body and can form tumours. It usually starts in a group of lymph nodes in one part of the body, most often the neck. Eventually, it can spread to almost any tissue or organ in the body through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream.
There are over 20 types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The cells of the different types look different under a microscope, and they develop and spread differently (for example, slowly or aggressively). The way the abnormal cells develop and spread depends on the type of lymphocyte the lymphoma started in. Most types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma develop from B-cells. It is important for your doctor to find out which type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma you have so you can get the treatment that works best for that type.
Last modified on:
10 March 2010
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