Lymphoma

The lymphatic system carries disease-fighting white blood cells throughout the body. It includes:

• Lymph: Fluid that carries lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, through the body in a network of lymph vessels, which are like tiny veins. Lymph helps fight against infection and cancer. 
• Lymph nodes: Tiny, bean-shaped masses found in several parts of the body, including in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen and groin. They filter lymph and store white blood cells to help the body fight disease. 
• Spleen: An organ on the left side of the abdomen that helps lymphocytes develop, stores blood cells and gets rid of old blood cells. 
• Thymus: Located in the chest, this tiny organ helps make and develop lymphocytes. 
• Tonsils: Nodes in the back of the throat that store white blood cells. 
• Bone marrow: Material in bones that produces blood cells, including white blood cells. 

Types of lymphoma

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Each develops from different types of lymphocytes, a type of immune system white blood cell.

• Hodgkin lymphoma usually starts in B lymphocytes. Almost all have abnormal B lymphocytes called Reed-Sternberg cells.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can start from multiple types of lymphocytes, including B and T lymphocytes. Learn more about B cell non-Hodgkin lympoma.

Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is another type of lymphoma that spreads slowly and is usually controlled easily when diagnosed early.

Symptoms

Lymphoma symptoms vary from person to person. Some patients may have no symptoms for a long period of time.

Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, groin or underarm. This is often the first symptom of lymphoma. 
  
• Fevers
• Heavy night sweats
  
• Fatigue
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Unexplained weight loss, often around 10% of the patient’s body weight
  
• Dry, itchy skin
  
• A red rash
  
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  
• Coughing or shortness of breath caused by swollen lymph nodes in the chest
  
• Headaches, concentration problems
  
• Confusion
  
• Weakness in the arms and/or legs

An enlarged liver or spleen, which can cause a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.

These symptoms do not always mean you have lymphoma. However, it is important to discuss any signs with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.

Some types of lymphoma can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Visit our genetic testing page to learn more.

Indolent vs. aggressive lymphoma

Lymphoma can also be categorized by whether it is indolent or aggressive. This is based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope and how they behave.

• Indolent lymphoma grows slowly. It has few or even no symptoms. Most indolent lymphomas start in B cell lymphocytes. Since indolent lymphomas are slow growing, patients typically have a good outlook. In some cases, doctors recommend the disease is monitored instead of treated. 
  
• Aggressive lymphoma grows more quickly and its symptoms are more obvious and severe. Patients with aggressive lymphomas need immediate treatment.
  

Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be either indolent or aggressive.

Lymphoma risk factors

Anything that increases your chance of getting lymphoma is a risk factor. These include:

• Biological sex: Lymphoma is slightly more common in males than females.
  
• Race: Lymphoma is slightly more common in Caucasians.
  
• Age: Lymphoma is most common in young adults (15 to 40 years old) and older adults (over 55 years old).
  
• Infection: The risk is small, but some bacteria and viruses may make you more likely to get lymphoma. These include:
  
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
  
• Infectious mononucleosis (mono)
  
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  
• Human T-cell lymphocytotropic virus (HTLV)
  
• Helicobacter pylori 
  
• Hereditary cancer syndromes: Certain inherited conditions can increase a person’s risk of developing lymphoma. Learn more about hereditary cancer syndromes.
  
• Family history: If you have a parent, sibling or child with lymphoma, you have a slightly increased risk of developing the disease.
  
• Living in a farming community. Some studies suggest that certain herbicides and pesticides may play a part in lymphoma, but this has not been proven.

Some types of lymphoma can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Visit our genetic testing page to learn more.