Disease state resources
Lymphoma fact sheet

Lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, which is designed to help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.

November 27, 2018     

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are two main types of lymphoma:

What is lymphoma?


Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Reed-Sternberg cells are not present

 
What is lymphoma?


Hodgkin lymphoma

Classified by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells

 

The major sites of lymph tissue are:


Lymph nodes
Spleen
Bone marrow
Thymus
Adenoids and tonsils
Digestive tract 
Lymphoma can start wherever there is lymph tissue, though it most often starts in lymph nodes in the upper part of the body, like the chest, neck or under the arms.
What is lymphoma?

Global incidence

Global incidence

Almost one million new cases of lymphoma are expected to occur globally in 2045.

Global incidence
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma. It’s expected there will be nearly 8 times as many new cases of NHL than HL by 2045. 
Global incidence


843,162

New cases expected in 2045
Global incidence


105,438

New cases expected in 2045

Risk factors

Lymphoma risk may increase in the presence of these factors:

Risk factors

HL risk may increase in the presence of these factors:
Risk factors
NHL risk may increase in the presence of these factors:
Risk factors

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of lymphoma may include:

Risk factors

Non-specific symptoms, also known as B symptoms, may include:

Risk factors

Treatment options

A patient’s treatment options are largely dependent on the type and stage of their lymphoma. Treatment options for lymphoma may include:
 

Treatment options

It is important for people with lymphoma to understand the symptoms of their disease and to talk to a healthcare professional about appropriate treatment options.