Lymphoma (Malignant Neoplasm)

FACTS: The term cancer applies to more than 100 different diseases, all of which have two things in common. As a result of genetic damage, normal cells become cancerous and can grow in an uncontrolled manner. In addition, these cells are able to invade other tissues, disrupting and destroying the structures and organs that they infiltrate.

As with all cancers, lymphoma develops due to genetics as well as risk factors including poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise. Although the fundamentals of treatment – surgery, radiation and chemotherapy – have not changed in many years, advances in imaging, diagnosis, and sophisticated methods for delivering therapies have greatly improved their effectiveness. In addition, breakthroughs in immunotherapy are now being put into practice. As a result, many who develop cancer have a greatly improved chance of recovery and most will survive the experience.

Lymphoma is a cancer of certain types of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system and mostly found in lymph nodes. Cancer occurs when these blood cells mutate and grow out of control. There are two main types of lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common form and is any lymphoma not involving Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) involves Reed-Sternberg cells, which are distinctively large, abnormal lymphocytes that may contain more than one nucleus.

Lymphoma is a complex cancer with many forms of both NHL and HL. The specific types and diagnosis depends on where the lymphoma begins in the body, the type of blood cells that turn cancerous, the chromosome features of the cells, and the presence of certain proteins on the cells.