Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the lymph nodes. It’s a dangerous disease that puts the body through a variety of grueling symptoms that can include fatigue, night sweats, headaches, persistent back pains, and restlessness at night. Treatments that are offered for lymphoma consists of chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment of this type of cancer solely depends on the type of lymphoma you have and the severity of it and whether you are in the beginning stages or the last.

The following are the main types of lymphoma to know:

1. Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is sometimes called b-cell lymphoma, has a variety of symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, fever, chills, persistent fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, itching all over the body, and sensitivity to alcohol. These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but it is always critical to get tested to remain on the safe side. If you are in fact positive for this type of cancer, you will be given a variety of treatments that may include chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted drug therapy depending on the stage of cancer and the severity of symptoms.

2. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Over 70,000 people are affected by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma including t-cell lymphoma every year; this includes children as well. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is treated through chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and blood cell stem transplants. A new therapy called CAR T-cell has proven to be very beneficial with this type of lymphoma and can give patients great relief from their symptoms. Symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s can include swelling of the lymph nodes, itchy skin, loss of appetite, coughing, trouble breathing, fever, and night sweats. If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help and get tested for non-Hodgkin’s, which includes mantle cell lymphoma, to avoid the progression of the disease.

3. Primary central nervous system lymphoma
Primary central nervous system lymphoma is another rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that attacks your nervous system head-on. This type of lymphoma occurs when malignant lymphocytes start to get inside your cerebrospinal fluid, brain, and spinal cord. In order to treat primary central nervous system lymphoma, patient’s will need a professional and experienced multidisciplinary team to help stop the unwanted side effects occurring throughout the entire nervous system. The treatment for this form of cancer is normally given through chemotherapy, radiation, and steroids to help calm your nervous system down from the side effects.

4. Cutaneous Lymphoma
Cutaneous lymphoma is the rarest form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that starts out by attacking your white blood cells and quickly starts to affect your skin. Symptoms of cutaneous lymphoma can include scaly patches on your skin and bumps appearing all over your body. This type of lymphoma can be difficult to diagnose at first and can take many efforts from oncologists and dermatologists to determine whether or not it is cancerous. Treatment for this type of cancer involves chemotherapy and drug targeted therapy, as well as appointments with a dermatologist to eliminate the side effects appearing on your skin.