Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system. When a person has lymphoma, some of their lymphocytes are said to be 'out of control'. They divide in an abnormal way, or do not die off when they should. These abnormal lymphocytes can collect in the lymph nodes, which then enlarge as the lymphocytes form tumours.
You will find more about the treatment of lymphoma in the booklets published by The
Lymphoma Association.
Please telephone their helpline 0808 808 5555 for a copy.
Lymphoma can affect lymph nodes in all parts of the body. It can also involve other
organs, such as the spleen or the bone marrow. Like other cancers, lymphoma can affect
the function of the tissue involved. For example, someone with lymphoma in the bone
marrow might not be able to make new blood cells.
Although lymphoma is a disease of the lymphatic system, it can also happen in other
areas of the body. For example, lymphoma can affect the stomach, the skin, or the
liver.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is called high grade when the cells appear to be dividing quite
quickly. They are also called aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some types of high
grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma will grow faster than others.
The most common high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Other high grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas include:
Burkitt’s lymphoma
lymphoblastic lymphoma
peripheral T-cell lymphoma
High grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas are more common in people aged over 50, but they
can occur at any age. Although the term ‘high grade’ may sound alarming, these diseases
can respond very well to treatment. With the right treatment high grade non-Hodgkin
lymphoma can be cured in many cases.
