What is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (also known as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL, or just lymphoma) is a group of blood cancers that start in the lymphocytes, the white blood cells that are a part of the immune system of our bodies. Cancer starts by affecting the body’s lymphatic system, which helps the body fight infections and also aids in the movement of fluids in the body.

It is different from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cancer that is treated in a different manner. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma mostly affects adults but children can get it too. Cancer can begin in any part of the body where lymph tissue is present, but sometimes it can also affect the skin. Some of the parts of the body where the lymph tissue is present are:

Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes or lymph glands are oval-shaped tissue masses that protect the body from infection and cancer. Connected by a system of lymphatic vessels, they are present in several parts of the body, including the abdomen, chest, pelvis, etc. When a person is having non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the lymph nodes become enlarged and swollen.

Adenoids and tonsils: These are present as lymph tissue in the back of the throat. The tonsils are part of the immune system and act similar to the lymph nodes. They create antibodies that fight against germs that a person may have swallowed or breathed in.

Spleen: The spleen is found on the left side of the body, under the lower ribs. A part of the immune system, it creates lymphocytes and other immune system cells. It also functions as a filter for cell waste, bacteria, etc.

Gastrointestinal tract: Lymph tissue is also present in the organs in the digestive tract, including stomach and intestines.

Thymus: Thymus produces T lymphocytes. It is present in front of the heart, behind the upper breastbone.

Bone marrow: New blood cells and lymphocytes are made inside the bones. This is a spongy tissue inside certain bones.

Types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Cancer depends on the type of lymphocytes that were affected. As we saw earlier, lymphocytes are white blood cells that play a key role in our immune system. They fight infections that affect the body. Here are the two types of lymphocytes:

• B cells: B cells create antibodies that get attached to germs, marking them to be destroyed by other parts of the immune system.
• T cells: T cells are of different types. Some destroy germs, while others boost or slow down the activities of the immune system.

Lymphomas originate more commonly in B cells.

Based on the speed of growth and spread of cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be classified as:

Indolent lymphoma: Follicular lymphoma is a popular type of indolent lymphoma in the US. This type of lymphoma is slowly progressing and sometimes need not be treated right away either. Since they spread quite slowly, having a close watch is usually advised first.

Aggressive lymphoma: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of aggressive lymphoma in the US. These grow and spread quickly, and need immediate intervention.