Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

What is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

"Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer that originates in your lymphatic system, the disease-fighting network spread throughout your body. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, tumors develop from lymphocytes — a type of white blood cell.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common than the other general type of lymphoma — Hodgkin lymphoma. Many different subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma exist. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma are among the most common subtypes.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have helped improve the prognosis for people with this disease." (Visit Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Mayo Clinic, for more information).

Different Types of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma:

"Non-Hodgkin lymphoma grows and spreads at different rates and can be indolent or aggressive. Indolent lymphoma tends to grow and spread slowly and has few signs and symptoms. Aggressive lymphoma grows and spreads quickly and has signs and symptoms that can be severe. The treatments for indolent and aggressive lymphoma are different.”

Indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Follicular lymphoma
Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (Also called Waldenström macroglobulinemia)
Marginal zone lymphoma
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Follicular large cell lymphoma, stage III
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Extranodal NK-/T-cell lymphoma
Lymphomatoid granulomatosis
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma (Also known as diffuse small noncleaved-cell lymphoma)
Lymphoblastic lymphoma
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
Mantle cell lymphoma
Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder
True histiocytic lymphoma
Primary effusion lymphoma
Plasmablastic lymphoma

(Visit Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment, National Cancer Institute, for more information.

Types of Treatments:

"Treatment approaches for NHL depend on the type of cancer, how advanced it is, as well as your health and other factors.

Another critical part of treatment for many people is palliative or supportive care. This can help prevent or treat problems such as infections, low blood cell counts, or some symptoms caused by the lymphoma."

Common Treatments

Visit Treating Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, American Cancer Society, for more information

Caring For a Loved One with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Support Groups - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Family Support Groups program gives patients and their families a place to go where they can share information, education and feelings in a comfortable and caring environment."

Lymphoma Support Network – Lymphoma Research Foundation
"The Lymphoma Support Network (LSN) is a one-to-one peer support program for people with lymphoma and their caregivers. LSN connects patients and caregivers with volunteers who have had similar experiences. Volunteers are there to offer words of encouragement, and understanding, to help give others strength to meet the challenges they may have to face."

Caring for Someone Who Has LymphomaLymphoma Action

This webpage recommends ways to offer practical and emotional support to the person who has lymphoma, as well as tips for taking care of your own needs and connecting with other caregivers.

Caring for Someone with LymphomaLymphoma Canada

Lymphoma Canada has advice on working together with the person you’re caring for, managing financial concerns, and overseeing practical day-to-day activities.

Caring For a Loved One with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Support Groups - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Family Support Groups program gives patients and their families a place to go where they can share information, education and feelings in a comfortable and caring environment."

Lymphoma Support Network – Lymphoma Research Foundation
"The Lymphoma Support Network (LSN) is a one-to-one peer support program for people with lymphoma and their caregivers. LSN connects patients and caregivers with volunteers who have had similar experiences. Volunteers are there to offer words of encouragement, and understanding, to help give others strength to meet the challenges they may have to face."

Caring for Someone Who Has LymphomaLymphoma Action

This webpage recommends ways to offer practical and emotional support to the person who has lymphoma, as well as tips for taking care of your own needs and connecting with other caregivers.

Caring for Someone with LymphomaLymphoma Canada

Lymphoma Canada has advice on working together with the person you’re caring for, managing financial concerns, and overseeing practical day-to-day activities.