Lymphoma
About Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body's immune system. There are several subtypes of lymphoma and knowing which type you have is important because it affects your treatment options and your prognosis. Types include:
Hodgkin Lymphoma:
Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin disease) is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are part of the body’s immune system.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (Adults):
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (sometimes called NHL, or just lymphoma) is a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children:
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (sometimes called NHL, or just lymphoma) is a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. NHL is not common in children, but it can occur.
Lymphoma of the Skin:
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body's immune system. Rare lymphomas that start in the skin are called skin lymphomas (or cutaneous lymphomas).
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia:
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The cancer cells make large amounts of an abnormal protein called a macroglobulin.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary by type of lymphoma. Some cases of lymphoma aren’t discovered until a blood test is performed for another reason. But general symptoms may include:
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Enlarged lymph nodes/lumps under the skin
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Severe or frequent infections
- Weight loss
Skin lymphomas also present with:
- Papules (small, pimple-like lesions)
- Patches (flat lesions)
- Plaques (thick, raised or lowered lesions)
- Nodules or tumors (larger lumps or bumps under the skin)
Risk Factors
Risk factors vary by type of lymphoma, but general causes may include:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Exposure to high levels of radiation
- Exposure to certain chemicals, including benzene
- Family history
- Infections
- Weakened immune system