Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Each year in the U.S., approximately 63,000 people are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).¹⁷ NHL is a form of cancer that begins in the cells of the lymph system, which includes the spleen, thymus, tonsils, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and circulating immune cells. Lymphocytes are the main cells in the lymph system and exist in two forms: B-cells and T-cells. Each of these cells serves a specific function in helping the body fight infection.

There are many different types of NHL. NHL is often classified on the basis of how quickly it grows, as well as by the type of cell it involves (B-cell or T-cell).

Treatment of NHL varies by the specific type of NHL as well as by stage.

Stage I: Cancer is found only in a single lymph node, in the area immediately surrounding that node, or in a single organ.

Stage II: Cancer involves more than one lymph node area on one side of the diaphragm (the breathing muscle separating the abdomen from the chest).

Stage III: The cancer involves lymph node regions above and below the diaphragm. For example, there may be swollen lymph nodes under the arm and in the abdomen.

Stage IV: Cancer involves one or more organs outside the lymph system or a single organ and a distant lymph node site.

American Cancer Society: About Staging

In some patients, the lymphoma may grow out of the lymph system into adjacent organs. This is referred to as extranodal extension and designated by an "E" following the stage. For example, a stage II lymphoma that extended into the lungs would be referred to as stage IIE.

Patients with lymphoma may also experience general symptoms from their disease. Patients with fever, night sweats or significant weight loss are said to have "B" symptoms. If these specific symptoms are not present, patients are further classified as "A".

Treatments for NHL include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies and high-dose chemotherapy coupled with transplantation or stem cell rescue. It is important for patients to remember that treatment is determined by the stage and other specific characteristics of the cancer. Patients should speak with their doctor to discuss the individual risks and benefits of each treatment option.