Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

 

 

Lymphoma is a cancer of a part of the immune system called the lymph system. There are many types of lymphoma. One type is Hodgkin disease. The rest are called non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas begin when a type of white blood cell, called a T cell or B cell, becomes abnormal. The cell divides again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can spread to almost any other part of the body. Most of the time, doctors do not know why a person gets non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

 

 

You are at increased risk if you:

1. Have a weakened immune system

2. Are taking certain types of infections

 

 

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many symptoms such as:

1. Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin

2. Unexplained weight loss

3. Fever

4. Soaking night sweats

5. Coughing

6. Trouble breathing or chest pain

7. Weakness and tiredness that do not go away

8. Pain

9. Swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen

 

 

Your doctor will diagnose lymphoma with a physical exam, blood tests, a chest x-ray, and a biopsy.

 

 

Treatments include:

1. Chemotherapy

2. Radiation therapy

3. Targeted therapy

4. Biological therapy