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Lymphoma Types

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, which is the body's defense against disease. The lymphatic system includes lymphocytes, lymph nodes, spleen and marrow. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. According to the American Cancer Society, the two types may require sensitive lab tests to tell them apart.

  1. Hodgkin Lymphoma

    • In Hodgkin lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and eventually compromise your body's ability to fight infection. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats, fever and chills, difficulty breathing or chest pain. Symptoms resemble influenza, making this condition difficult to diagnose.

    Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

    • There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or NHL), tumors develop from lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more than five times more common than Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain or swelling, fever, weight loss or night sweats.

    B-cell Lymphomas

    • More than 85 percent of non-Hodgkin lymphomas are B-cell lymphomas. B-cells fight infections by turning into plasma cells which produce antibodies to fight off foreign invaders. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma accounts for about one out of every three cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Other types of B-cell lymphomas include follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and marginal zone B-cell lymphomas.

    T-cell Lymphomas

    • T-cells are involved in fighting invaders directly, and in directing B-cells. T-cells work to remove certain bacteria, viruses and fungi. They also make cytokines, which are substances that draw other white blood cells to tissues that are under attack by microorganisms. Precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma can be considered a lymphoma or leukemia depending on how much bone marrow is involved. Cells affected are immature T-cells. Peripheral T-cell lymphomas develop from mature T-cells.

    Considerations

    • Categorizing lymphomas is based on a variety of factors. These factors include the appearance of the cells under the microscope, what genetic mutations they carry, where they occur in the body and what type of cells they arose from. Many types of lymphoma have traits that overlap with other categories. Some lymphomas begin as one type and develop into another.

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