Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Definition

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymphoid tissue. Such tissue makes up the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system.

Alternative Names

Causes

White blood cells called lymphocytes are found in lymph tissues. Most lymphomas start in a type of white blood cells called B lymphocytes.

For most patients, the cause of the cancer is unknown. However, lymphomas may develop in people with weakened immune systems. For example, after an organ transplant.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is grouped, or staged, according to how fast the cancer spreads. The cancer may be low grade, intermediate grade or high grade. Burkitt's tumor is an example of a high-grade lymphoma. There are many different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

According to the American Cancer Society, a person has a 1 in 50 chance of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Most of the time, this cancer affects adults. However, children can get some forms of CLL. High-risk groups include those who have received an organ transplant or who have a weakened immune system (immunosuppression). The cancer is more common in men than women.

References

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2006.

Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG. Clinical Oncology. 3rd ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2004: 2985-3014.