What is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

To get an idea of what lymphoma is, it helps to know a bit about the lymphatic system and how it works. The lymphatic system is made up of various vessels, glands (lymph nodes found in your neck, arms, elbow and groin area) and other organs (spleen, liver, bone marrow). Like the blood system, this is a circulatory system that helps transport substances around the body. Lymphoma is a term used to describe a tumour in the lymphatic tissue.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects a particular type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. The lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably and can live forever within the lymphatic system resulting in a type of cancer called Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is usually divided into two main categories;

Indolent Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is:

• Slow growing and can take many years to progress
• More common in people who are middle-aged or elderly
• The cause is said to be unknown

Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is:

• Fast growing and progresses much faster than indolent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 
• Primarily involves the lymph glands, but may also be elsewhere in the body

Symptoms and diagnosis

The most common symptoms are:

• Painless swelling of the lymph nodes (usually a lump in the neck, underarms, elbow and groin)
• Chills
• Fever and/or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Lack of energy

The most accurate way to diagnose a lymphoma is by a biopsy of the lump. As the symptoms are so varied, they can often be confused with more common conditions. Various tests and treatments might be suggested before Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is suspected and diagnosed.

Treatment options available

Not all patients require immediate treatment. Your doctor may decide to 'watch and wait' if the lymphoma is slow-growing (indolent). This is a very common approach in the early stages of a slow growing (indolent) lymphoma as the side effects related to treatment may not justify the tumour response to either the chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Patient's may live comfortably with minimal or no symptoms from the disease. The doctor will, however, monitor your condition by conducting periodic tests (scans and blood tests), and physical examinations to identify new lumps. Notify your doctor immediately when you start experiencing new symptoms or notice any changes to your specific type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Treatment options available to a Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma patient include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplantation. Your treatment options will be tailored to your specific type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and any other factors that may impact how you respond to therapy.