Lymphoma is a group of cancers that develop in white blood cells called lymphocytes. These white blood cells consist of:
- T cells
- B cells
- natural killer (NK) cells
The World Health Organization divides non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) into more than 60 subcategories depending on the types of cells affected, how the cells look under a microscope, and certain genetic changes.
NHLs are broadly categorized into B-cell lymphomas and T-cell and natural killer cell lymphomas. B-cell lymphomas make up 85 to 90 percent of cases of NHL.
In this article, we examine some of the most common types of NHL and break down what makes them unique, who’s at risk, and treatment options.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma and makes up
This aggressive type of lymphoma leads to the development of B cells that are larger than normal. It typically starts in a lymph node either deep in your body or in an area you can feel, such as your neck or armpit. It can also develop in your bones, brain, spinal cord, or intestines.
This type is more common in those assigned male at birth, and it becomes more common with age.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tends to develop quickly but often responds to treatment. About
Follicular lymphoma is the second most common form of NHL and makes up
The median age of those with follicular lymphoma is
Symptoms vary based on the extent of the cancer and the area affected. It often causes painless enlargement of a lymph node, most commonly in the neck, armpit, or groin.
This form of lymphoma arises in B cells. It gets its names from the clumps of B cells that tend to form inside lymph nodes.
Follicular lymphoma tends to progress slowly. It often responds to treatment but can be difficult to cure. Treatment can range from “watch and wait” to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
The average survival rate is more than 20 years. Some people don’t develop any symptoms while others have reoccurring life threatening complications.
Marginal zone lymphoma is a group of slow-growing lymphomas that arise in B cells that look small under a microscope. They make up roughly 8 percent of NHL cases. The average age of diagnosis is 60, and it’s slightly more common in those assigned female at birth than those assigned male.
The most common type of marginal zone lymphoma, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, develops in tissues outside your lymph nodes, including your:
- stomach
- lung
- skin
- thyroid
- salivary glands
- eye tissue
Many types of MALT are linked to bacteria or viral infections. Symptoms can vary depending on which part of your body is affected. It often causes nonspecific symptoms such as:
People with this form of lymphoma tend to have a good prognosis, with more than half of people living more than
- having stage 1 or 2 disease
- being under the age of 70
- a normal level of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
In people that fall into all three categories, the survival rate is more than
Mantle cell lymphoma makes up about 6 percent of NHLs and is most commonly diagnosed in those assigned male at birth in their 60s. It affects about
Mantle cell lymphoma develops in B cells and is distinguished by the overexpression of a protein called cyclin D1 that stimulates cell growth.
Some people have no symptoms at the time of their diagnosis. More than 80 percent of people have swollen lymph nodes.
It remains largely incurable, with half of those with the condition surviving fewer than
- chemotherapy
- watching and waiting
- stem cell transplants
- targeted therapy
- immunotherapy
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma is a group of lymphomas that develop in T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. “Peripheral” means that it arises in lymph tissue outside your bone marrow. These lymphomas may develop in your:
- spleen
- lymph nodes
- gastrointestinal tract
- skin
- liver
They make up about
The most common age range for diagnosis is
Most subtypes are aggressive. Initial treatment usually consists of multiple chemotherapy drugs. Most patients relapse after initial treatment, so some doctors recommend high-dose chemotherapy in combination with a stem cell transplant.
Symptoms vary depending on the subtype. Many subtypes cause similar symptoms to other forms of lymphoma, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. Some subtypes can cause skin rashes.
- family history of blood cancers
- eczema
- psoriasis
- celiac disease
- heavy smoking
- certain occupations such as textile workers and electrical fitters
Prognosis for people with peripheral T-cell lymphoma varies widely depending on the subtype.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small-cell lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are essentially the same disease. If most of the cancer cells are in your bloodstream and bone marrow, it’s called CLL. When most cancer cells are found in your lymph nodes, it’s called SLL.
CLL and SLL develop in B cells and tend to progress slowly. About
Most people have no obvious symptoms, and it’s often detected during routine bloodwork. Some people may experience general symptoms such as a tender abdomen or feeling full after eating a small amount.
Treatment may include watching and waiting, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the 5-year relative survival rate of CLL is
There are more than 60 types of NHL that can be broadly categorized as B-cell lymphomas or T-cell and natural killer cell lymphomas. Most types of NHL affect your B cells.
The symptoms of many types of lymphoma are similar, and they’re usually impossible to differentiate without lab tests analyzing your blood and bone marrow cells. Talk with your doctor if you notice any symptoms or you have questions about non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.