Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a group of blood cancers that begin in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. It is one of the two main categories of lymphoma and develops in white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells normally help the body fight infections, but in NHL, they grow abnormally and can collect in lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Because lymphatic tissue is located throughout the body, non-Hodgkin lymphoma can start almost anywhere. However, it's usually first found in a lymph node.
When lymphoma is suspected, a biopsy of an affected lymph node is performed to confirm a diagnosis, determine the specific subtype, and determine how quickly it's growing. There are over 70 subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The most common are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
Lymphomas may be grouped by how quickly they are likely to grow:
- Indolent (also called low-grade) lymphomas grow slowly. They tend to cause few symptoms.
- Aggressive (also called intermediate-grade and high-grade) lymphomas grow and spread more quickly. They tend to cause severe symptoms. Over time, many indolent lymphomas become aggressive lymphomas.
It’s a good idea to get a second opinion about the type of lymphoma that you have. The treatment plan varies by the type of lymphoma.
Learn more about how non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is staged.
