Types of Lymphoma
Within the two main categories of NHL and Hodgkin lymphoma, there are several subtypes. Many more people with lymphoma have NHL than Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
NHL describes a group of more than 90 cancers that share similar characteristics. This form of lymphoma can begin in the following cell types:
- B Lymphocytes (B Cells) These cells make antibodies to fight infections. Most NHL is caused by B cells.
- T Lymphocytes (T Cells) T cells have several roles, including helping B cells make antibodies and fighting viruses.
They typically develop in the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue but can sometimes affect bone marrow and blood. Some NHLs are slow-growing, while others can be aggressive. Your treatment options will depend on the type of NHL you have and how advanced it is.
Some of the more common types of NHL include:
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) This is the most common type of lymphoma, accounting for about 1 in 3 lymphomas. It’s often aggressive but responds well to treatment. DLBCL mostly impacts older adults, though there are several subtypes, including primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, which primarily affects young women.
- Follicular Lymphoma This accounts for about 1 in 5 lymphomas in the United States. These NHLs are typically slow-growing, although some can be aggressive. This type of lymphoma is rare in younger people and is difficult to cure, though patients often live for many years with it. Some follicular lymphomas can turn into fast-growing DLBCL.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) These are closely related, often slow-growing diseases. Many people with CLL and SLL live long lives. The main difference between the two conditions is that when the cancer cells are found primarily in the lymph nodes, doctors call it SLL. If the cancer cells are found mostly in the bloodstream and bone marrow, it is diagnosed as CLL. It is most common in older adults.
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) MCL is much more prevalent in men than in women. It’s also more likely to affect older people and is challenging to treat. This type accounts for about 5 percent of lymphomas.
Some rarer types of NHL include:
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas
- Cutaneous B-cell lymphomas
- Primary central nervous system lymphoma
- Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
- Burkitt lymphoma
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma, formerly called “Hodgkin’s disease,” is thought to originate in B cells. It can begin anywhere but most often affects lymph nodes in the upper body, such as those located near the chest, neck, or underarms.
This form of lymphoma can spread from one lymph node to another.
Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in people in their early twenties and those over age 55, but it can affect adults and children of any age.
There are two main types of Hodgkin lymphoma: Classical and nodular.
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL) CHL is the more common form, accounting for about 9 in 10 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma in developed countries. People with this form of lymphoma have large, abnormal cells, known as Reed-Sternberg cells, in their lymph nodes. There are four subtypes of classical Hodgkin lymphoma:
- Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma
- Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma
- Lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin lymphoma
- Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma.
Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma This rare type of Hodgkin lymphoma leads to abnormally large cells that look like popcorn. It usually starts in the lymph nodes of the neck and underarms.
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