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Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, the body's disease-fighting network. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease), the spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all those areas as well as other organs throughout the body.
Types of Lymphoma
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, abnormal cells that are not found in any other type of cancer. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is much more common, has many different subtypes, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, among others.
Why Do People Get Lymphoma?
The exact cause of lymphoma is not known. However, it occurs when your body produces an excessive amount of abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Instead of dying, these cells continue to grow and divide, leading to the development of a mass of cells, which is a tumor. Certain factors may increase the risk of developing lymphoma, including having a weakened immune system, certain infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylori infection, exposure to certain chemicals and radiation, and a family history of lymphoma.
Who Gets Lymphoma?
According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be an estimated 80,550 new cases of lymphoma in 2023, making up 4.1% of all new cancer diagnoses. In 2020, there were an estimated 870,000 people living with lymphoma in the United States. Hodgkin lymphoma occurs most often in early adulthood, between the ages of 15-40 and about 5% of cases have a family link. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma most often occurs in people older than 60 and is more common in those who have had previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy. People who have been exposed to Agent Orange are more likely to get both types of lymphoma.
Want to Learn More About Lymphoma?
Keep reading HealthTree for Lymphoma's 101 pages!
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, the body's disease-fighting network. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease), the spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all those areas as well as other organs throughout the body.
Types of Lymphoma
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, abnormal cells that are not found in any other type of cancer. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is much more common, has many different subtypes, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, among others.
Why Do People Get Lymphoma?
The exact cause of lymphoma is not known. However, it occurs when your body produces an excessive amount of abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Instead of dying, these cells continue to grow and divide, leading to the development of a mass of cells, which is a tumor. Certain factors may increase the risk of developing lymphoma, including having a weakened immune system, certain infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylori infection, exposure to certain chemicals and radiation, and a family history of lymphoma.
Who Gets Lymphoma?
According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be an estimated 80,550 new cases of lymphoma in 2023, making up 4.1% of all new cancer diagnoses. In 2020, there were an estimated 870,000 people living with lymphoma in the United States. Hodgkin lymphoma occurs most often in early adulthood, between the ages of 15-40 and about 5% of cases have a family link. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma most often occurs in people older than 60 and is more common in those who have had previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy. People who have been exposed to Agent Orange are more likely to get both types of lymphoma.
Want to Learn More About Lymphoma?
Keep reading HealthTree for Lymphoma's 101 pages!
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