Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. Specifically, it is a cancer of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections. In lymphoma, these lymphocytes grow abnormally and can multiply uncontrollably. This cancer can affect lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, and other organs throughout the body. There are two main categories of lymphoma:
- Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Lymphoma often presents with painless swelling of lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, itching, and fatigue. It is considered a blood cancer and can spread to organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and sometimes surgery. The outlook varies depending on the subtype and stage of lymphoma, with some forms being curable. Lymphoma is one of the most common types of blood cancer and makes up about 3-4% of all cancers globally. It occurs more frequently in developed countries and is the third most common cancer in children. In summary, lymphoma is a cancer caused by abnormal growth of lymphocytes in the lymphatic system, impairing the immune function and potentially spreading to various organs.
