Lymphoma Can Occur In Many Forms

Many people hear about lymph nodes within the body, but are unsure what they do. The lymph system has nodes and vessels which help move white blood cells to fight infection. The lymph nodes can filter out bacteria or viruses to help the immune system fight off infection. Unfortunately, cells from the lymph system can become cancerous. The lymph system is diverse and features several aspects of the body. Cancer of the lymph system can include the lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus gland, bone marrow or spleen. There are around 70 types of lymphomas that can be diagnosed, though some are far more likely than others. Each of the different types can be caused due to different cells being affected. The good news is that many of the types of lymphoma are some of the most treatable cancers. Both 5 and 10 year survival rates are fairly high. There are many different factors which can go into getting lymphomas. Age, family history, the strength of the immune system and exposure to harmful materials are just some of the risk factors. What follows is a list of some of the more common forms of lymphoma that can occur. 

1 - Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are the most common types of lymphoma. They can account for over 70% of cases. What’s more, these types of lymphomas can break up further into other categories depending on which cells are affected and specifically which cells are infected. The most common people to get Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are over the age of 55. This type of lymphoma can begin in the lymph nodes throughout the entire body. 

2 - B-Cell Lymphoma

This is one of the subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas that exist. Specifically it attacks B cells in the bloodstream which grow in a mutated form. DLBCL (diffuse large b-cell lymphoma) is very aggressive and it grows quickly. The farther along in stages it is, the easier it is to identify, but the more difficult it becomes to treat. Due to the aggressive nature of this form of lymphoma, it’s important to get treatment early. 

3 - T-Cell Lymphoma

There are quite a few variations of T-cell lymphomas. These include Sézary syndrome, mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic lymphoma, precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma to name a few. These are not as common as B-cell lymphomas and only account for around 15% of the total number of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases. 

4 - Follicular Lymphoma

About 20% of overall cases of lymphoma turn out to be follicular lymphoma. This kind of lymphoma is very common in the elderly and patients average an age over 60. This is another non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma form and it starts in a person’s white blood cells. The good news about this lymphoma is that it tends to develop and grow more slowly than some of the others. 

5 - Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Unlike  non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the average age of patients is much younger for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The average age is actually around 39. There’s good news. This is one of the best diagnosed forms of cancer. Early diagnosis means early treatment, and is part of why outcomes for lymphoma can be so good. This form of lymphoma usually begins in a person’s neck, chest or armpits. 

6 - Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This is the most common form of Hodgkin’s case. Around 70% of those turn out to be nodular sclerosis hodgkin’s lymphoma. This cancer begins in the lymph nodes. Specifically it begins in lymph nodes that have some form of scar tissue or sclerosis within. Typically the most affected people of this form of lymphoma are younger adults. There is a high cure rate compared to other cancers.