Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

What is Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

In non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a tumor develops from lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is further classified into a variety of subtypes based on the cell of origin B-cell or T-cell, and the cell characteristics.

What causes non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma? Who is affected?

The exact cause of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is unknown, however there are medical conditions that are that are related with a risk of developing the disease:

  • Inherited genetic disorders
  • Genetic syndromes (having an extra X chromosome)
  • Immune disorders
  • Celiac disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Bacteria and viruses

What are symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

Symptoms and signs of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include:

  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Severe itching
  • Increased sensitivity to effects of alcohol or pain in lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Chest pain, coughing, or trouble breathing

How is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treated?

Depending on the stage of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, there are several types of treatment used, including

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Bone marrow Transplant
  • Drug therapy