Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (pronunciation: non-HODG-kin lim-FOH-muh) is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, the body's disease-fighting network. The term is from the 20th century, named after the British doctor Thomas Hodgkin who, in 1832, described several cases of people with symptoms of a cancer involving the lymph nodes.
Definition
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a group of blood cancers that includes all types of lymphoma except Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lymphomas are a type of cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body's immune system.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, sweats, unintended weight loss, and feeling tired. The enlarged lymph nodes are often noticed in the neck or abdomen.
Causes
The exact cause of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is not known. However, it is associated with a number of risk factors, including age, sex, race, and certain infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is by biopsy of affected tissue. Medical imaging is then done to determine if and where the cancer has spread.
Treatment
Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, plasmapheresis, or stem cell transplant. The choice of treatment often depends on the type of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, the person's age, and how advanced the disease is.
Prognosis
The five-year survival rate for people with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma varies widely, from 60% to 85%, depending on the stage of the disease, the age of the person, and other individual factors.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Wikipedia's article - Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
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