Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system. It is the most common blood cancer in the western world.
When our white blood cells begin to behave in an abnormal way, lymphoma can develop.
The causes of lymphoma are not known, but it is a malignant transformation of B cells, T cells or their subtypes. The cure rate for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is currently between 30-60%.(1)
All causes of lymphoma involve the immune cells called lymphocytes.
The cells become abnormal and will travel from one lymph node to the next.
They can also metastasize to other organs through the lymphatic system.
The Lymphoma Research Foundation is currently working on clinical trials for cancer lymphoma. The doctors are investigating two new drugs, CAL 101 and PCI 32765. The latest cancer research on them points to using them in combination with chemo-immunotherapy regimens.(1)
There are factors that might increase the risk of developing lymphoma:
- Exposure to water that is contaminated with nitrates
- Immunosuppressant drugs
- Exposure to chemicals and viruses
- A weak immune system - increases the risk of developing types of lymphoma
Do You Have a Symptom of Lymphoma?
There are some symptoms of lymphoma, but they can also be symptoms of other illnesses. If you have two or more of these symptoms, you should check with your doctor:
- Chills
- Lack of energy
- Fever and swelling of lymph nodes
- Night sweats
- Sudden weight loss
- Moderate to severe itching
Most Common 8 Types
of Lymphoma Cancer
There are two main types of lymphomas:- Hodgkin Lymphoma (6 types)
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (more than 61 types)
When people ask about 8 types of lymphoma cancer, they are generally asking about the more common types. The first two types listed are classic Hodgkin Lymphoma. The next 6 are Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (sometimes misspelled as "non hodkins lymphoma"). (2)
1. Nodular Sclerosis
Most common type of Hodgkin Lymphoma. This type usually occurs in young adults and originates in the mediastinum or cervical lymph nodes. It is more common in women and has a high cure rate. (3)
2. Mixed-Cellularity
More common in men than in women. The Epstein-Barr virus is often involved, and may also be associated with the HIV virus. This type if usually diagnosed at advanced stages.
3. Mycosis Fungoides
This is a cutaneous lymphoid malignancy. This is a lymphoma of the skin, or skin lymphoma. It is treatable, but can be aggressive.
4. Peripheral T-Cell
Very aggressive and consists of several rare types of tumors. This can occur at any time during adulthood.(4)
5. Precursor T-Cell
This accounts for nearly 40% of childhood lymphomas. It presents itself as a mass due to involvement with the thymus. Often seen in adolescent males.
6. Follicular
This accounts for nearly 40% of adult lymphomas. It is quite common and can affect people as young as 30. Can involve bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes.
7. Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Presents in 40-50% of adults. This is the most common form of NHL. It is quite aggressive and usually occurs outside of the lymph nodes.(5)
8. Mantle Cell
This lymphoma is usually in adult males. It can involve the GI tract, as well as the spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes. It is moderately aggressive.
To find out more about these 8 types of lymphoma cancer as well as the other subtypes, you can request informational booklets from the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Return to Top: 8 Types of Lymphoma Cancer
...or click a button and go to:
Sources Cited
1. Lymphoma Research Foundation. Retrieved July 2011. Lymphoma.org.
2. The most common types of hodgkin's lymphoma. Retrieved July 2011. CancerHelp UK.
3. Adult Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Diagnosis. Retrieved July 2011. Lymphoma Info.net.
4. Aggressive Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas (Specified and Unspecified Types). Retrieved July 2011. Ash education book/Hematology.org.
5. B-Cell Lymphoma. Retrieved July 2011. Cancercenter.com.
