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What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) isn’t just one disease—it is actually a diverse group of blood cancers that all occur in lymphocytes (white blood cells that are part of the immune system).
NHL generally develops in the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue found in organs such as the stomach, intestines, or skin. In some cases, NHL involves bone marrow and blood.
NHL has many subtypes which are either indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast growing). Lymphoma cells may develop in just one place or in many sites in the body.
It's important that your doctor is experienced in treating patients with lymphoma or works in consultation with a lymphoma specialist. This type of specialist is called a hematologist-oncologist. It's important to know your NHL subtype to help determine treatment.
Find facts and statistics about NHL and other blood cancers.
The information on this page covers how Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed in adults. Visit childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma to learn about signs and symptoms, and diagnosis and treatment information for children with Hodgkin lymphoma.
What should I do if I am diagnosed with NHL?
- Seek treatment in a cancer center where doctors are experienced treating patients with lymphoma. Learn how to find a blood cancer specialist or treatment center.
- Talk with your doctor about your diagnostic tests and what the results mean
- Be sure you know your NHL subtype; different subtypes have different treatments.
- Talk with your doctor about all your treatment options and the results you can expect from treatment.
- Obtain and keep records of your test results and the treatment you receive, as this information is useful for long-term follow-up care.
Learn more about communicating with your blood cancer specialist or find a list of suggested questions to ask your healthcare providers.
How does NHL develop?
NHL starts with a change to single lymphocyte (type of white blood cell). It can start in one of three major types of lymphocytes:
- B lymphocytes (B cells), which produce antibodies to help combat infections
- T lymphocytes (T cells), which have several functions, including helping B lymphocytes make antibodies
- Natural killer (NK) cells, which attack virus-infected cells or tumor cells
Most cases of NHL (about 85 percent to 90 percent) start in the B cells.
The abnormal lymphocyte grows out of control and makes more abnormal cells like it. These abnormal lymphocytes (lymphoma cells) form masses (tumors). If NHL isn't treated, these cells crowd out normal white cells, and the immune system can't fight infection effectively.
NHL is classified into more than 60 different subtypes. Doctors classify the NHL subtypes into categories that describe how fast the disease grows:
- Slow-growing, called indolent or low-grade NHL
- Fast-growing, called aggressive or high-grade NHL
View a 3D model of NHL’s impact on the body. Click or tap the "Interact in 3D" button to begin.
What are risk factors for NHL?
The exact cause of NHL is not known, but there are risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Factors affecting people’s risk of developing NHL have been studied extensively. Some of these factors include immune disorders, medicines, infections, lifestyle, genetics, race, family history, and occupational factors. Some risk factors differ by subtype.
See the "Causes and Risk Factors" section in our booklet, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, for more information.
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