Lymphoma Types

Read More About Lymphoma:

Types of Lymphoma Cancer

There are different lymphoma types. Lymphomas can be classified in many ways. Some of the broad classifications are based on:

* The appearance of the lymphocytes (cancer cells) under a microscope.
* The distribution of the cancer in the body in the form of compact clusters (nodular) or lumps in a specific node or organ.
* The different genetic mutations that caused the disease.
* The origin of the cancer from a specific type of cell.
* The proteins present predominantly on the surface of the lymphocyte.

Another categorization of Lymphomas is the distinction that is made between Hodgkin's lymphoma (after the scientist Thomas .D. Hodgkin who first discovered the disease) and the non Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of lymphoma which is characterized by the presence of the Reed-Sternberg cells in the cancerous region. It is supposed that a specific type of virus called the Epstein-Barr virus plays an important role in this in causing this cancer. This cancer is common both in children as well as adults. There are also different stages of lymphoma cancer.

1. Type of Cancer Lymphoma: Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Many cancers of the Lymphatic system are classified as Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Age is not a determinant factor in the occurrence of this disease, but it has been observed that the potential of contracting the disease increases with age. Inflated Lymph nodes, sickness and weight loss are common symptoms of this condition.

It is observed that Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) can be of two kinds-the aggressive or fast growing lymphomas and the sluggish kind or slow growing lymphomas. They are further classified in B-cell NHL or T cell NHL.

B-cell Lymphomas include sub categories such as Burkitt's lymphoma, diffuse large cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, immunoblastic large cell lymphoma, precursor B-Lymphoblastic lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. T-Cell lymphomas include mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Persons with HIV, Epstein Barr Virus, stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, Human T-cell leukemia or Hepatitis C Virus are High risk categories for NHL. Obese people also fall within this category. Persons who work with herbicides and some other chemicals are likely to contract the disease. However, not all persons classified as high risk fall prey to the disease.

2. Type of Cancer Lymphoma: Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer that spreads in a more orderly manner and is a less common form of Lymphoma. There are 5 types of Hodgkin's Lymphomas that have been identified as against 25-30 lymphoma types identified for the non-Hodgkin's type.
Hodgkin's disease (HL) as it is often called, may begin in a single lymph node, a group or lymph nodes or in the bone marrow or spleen. Thereafter, it will spread from the lymph node of origin to the neighboring lymph node in order of proximity. This lymphoma is distinguished by the presence of the Reed-Sternberg cells.

Persons in the age group of 15-34 and over 55 seem to be most vulnerable to the disease. Family history of Hodgkin's disease increases the risk of contracting it. Persons infected with the Epstein-Barr virus also have a high risk of developing the disease.
Research indicates that the overall survival rate of persons infected with Hodgkin's disease is around 85% over a five year period.
Lymphomas of different kinds require different kinds of treatment. However, most lymphomas, both NHL and HL, are treated with some form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of the two. Sometimes Bone marrow or stem cell transplant may also be recommended. Many patients live long healthy lives after treatment of the disease.

All Information on this site is for informational purposes only and without any warranty. Always ask your doctor for advice.
Symptoms of Lymphoma Site Map Disclaimer Privacy Contact
© symptomsoflymphoma.com - All About Lymphoma Types