Non-Hodgkin lymphoma refers to a large group of cancers of lymphocytes (the white blood cells). It can occur at any age and causes weight loss, fever and abnormally enlarged lymph nodes. In U.S, an estimated 65,540 cases were observed and the deaths occurred with these were 20,210.
Types of NHL
This cancer is of various types. At present, more than seventy different types are known that together make four large groups. All these types can be malignant or mild and can be formed from either B-cells or T-cells.
There are various risk factors of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as:
How is it diagnosed?
This cancer is detected with imaging screening technologies, biopsy procedures and tumor markers carried out by an expert in this field.
Signs and Symptoms
NHL has these symptoms:
NHL can be treated with:
Types of NHL
This cancer is of various types. At present, more than seventy different types are known that together make four large groups. All these types can be malignant or mild and can be formed from either B-cells or T-cells.
- Burkitt lymphoma,
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL),
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,
- follicular lymphoma,
- immunoblastic large cell lymphoma,
- precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and
- Mantle cell lymphoma.
- mycosis fungoides,
- anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and
- precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma.
There are various risk factors of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as:
- smoking
- Old age that is over 60 years
- Gender: The occurrence of NHL is higher in men than in women, however its certain types are more common among women but the reasons are unknown yet.
- Exposure to radiation
- Exposure to chemicals
- Auto-immune disease
- Infections of certain type
- Weakened Immunity
- Obesity
- Diet deficient or lower in vegetables
How is it diagnosed?
This cancer is detected with imaging screening technologies, biopsy procedures and tumor markers carried out by an expert in this field.
Signs and Symptoms
NHL has these symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Lymphoma of the chest
- Abdominal lymphoma
- Lymphoma in the brain
- Lymphoma of the skin
- Weight loss
- Heavy sweating at night
- Fever
- Bruising and bleeding
- Severe infections
- Fatigue
NHL can be treated with:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplant
- Palliative care
- Clinical trials
- Complementary and alternative therapies
