Lymphoma

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Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes, glands and organs. The lymphatic system is part of the bodyâ€™s defence against infection â€“ the immune system. Lymphomas occur when a type of white blood cell - a lymphocyte - becomes cancerous.

There are many different types of lymphoma. Some lymphomas are called Hodgkin lymphoma and others are Non Hodgkin lymphomas. Lymphoma usually begins in the organs and tissues of the lymphatic system but it can involve almost any tissue of the body. There are around 10,700 cases of lymphoma diagnosed in the UK each year. Hodgkin lymphoma used to be known as Hodgkinâ€™s disease. It is usually found in the lymph nodes but can also spread to involve other organs such as the spleen and bone marrow. Around 1,500 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the UK each year.

It is most likely to occur between the ages of 15 and 30, or between the ages of 55 and 70. It is more common in men than women. Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most treatable of all cancers. The majority of those who have Hodgkin lymphoma will be completely cured with modern treatments.

All the other lymphomas are known as Non Hodgkin lymphoma. There are many different kinds of Non Hodgkin lymphoma, they are named â€“ or â€œclassifiedâ€ â€“ according to how quickly the cells are dividing, and what kind of lymphocyte has become cancerous. Some Non Hodgkin lymphomas grow quickly. These are referred to as high grade Non Hodgkin lymphomas. Other Non Hodgkin lymphomas grow slowly. These are referred to as low grade, or indolent. Non Hodgkin lymphoma can occur in many parts of the body. It usually starts in the lymph nodes but can also involve other organs. Around 9200 people are diagnosed with Non Hodgkin lymphoma each year in the UK. It is more common in those aged over 60, although it can occur at any age. It affects slightly more men than women.