Lymphomas 2: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Non-hodgkin lymphomas are three times more common than Hodgkin's lymphomas, with increasing incidence. Mostly, they arise in lymphoid tissue, with a small percentage in parenchymal organs. B-lymphocytes are the main cells affected in non-hodgkin lymphomas, with some specific types concerned with T lymphocytes. Non-hodgkin lymphomas have an quick, rapid spread unlike hodgkin's lymphoma and is normally widespread at the time of diagnosis.

Characteristics: enlarged non-tender lymph nodes

Symptoms: fever, weight loss, malaise, sweating, susceptibility to infection

Types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

  1.   Diffuse Lymphomas
  • Make up almost half of all non-hodgkin lymphomas
  • Occurs in the elderly
  • Grow in a uniform pattern without any follicles
  • Most form from B cells, but can form from T cells
  • Lymphocytes are large, have large nuclei and have a prominent nucleolus
  • Localised at time of diagnosis
  • Curable with chemotherapy
  2.   Follicular Lymphomas
  • Less aggressive
  • Occurs in adults
  • Characterised by follicles
  • B cell origin
  • Better prognosis than diffuse lymphomas but difficult to cure (does not respond well to chemotherapy)
  • Normally localised but can be extensive with bone marrow and liver involvement
  3.   Small lymphocytic lymphoma (3-4%)
  4.   Mantle cell lymphoma (3-4%)
  5.   Lymphoblastic lymphoma
  6.   Burkitt's lymphoma

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