The lymph nodes help make up the immune system. Several lymph nodes are found throughout the body, and each node houses several types of white blood cells, or lymphocytes, which help the body fight off infection. Cancers of the lymph nodes are called lymphomas, and there are a range of lymphomas that differ in the specific cell type affected, as well we the aggressiveness and onset of the disease.
Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Lymphoblastic lyphoma, or LBL, is a very aggressive form of lymphoma that falls under the general class of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. LBL is common in children and young adults, and accounts for almost half of pediatric lymphoma cases, according to the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey. LBL usually affects a type of lymphocyte called a T-cell, which helps make up the immune system. In some cases, mutations in the bone marrow cells that generate T-cells may contribute to the development of the disease. LBL can be treated with chemotherapy to kill the cancerous cells. In cases where bone marrow cells are heavily involved in the disease, bone marrow transplant may help treat the LBL.
Burkitt's lymphoma
Burkitt's lymphoma is another cancer involving the lymphatic system. Like LBL, Burkitt's lymphoma falls under the category of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, though it affects a different class of lymphocytes than LBL. Burkitt's lymphoma develops from mutations in B-cells, a class of immune system cells. According to Washington University in St. Louis, Burkitt's lymphoma tumors often occur in the abdomen and lead to severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting and profound abdominal pain. The risk of developing Burkitt's lymphoma increases in patients infected with the Epstein-Barr virus compared to those who were not exposed. Burkitt's lymphoma is generally treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma is another form of lymph node cancer, which accounts for around 11 percent of new lymphoma cases diagnosed in the United States, according the information website Lymphoma Info, Hodgkin's lymphoma is characterized by the mutation of B-cell lymphocytes into giant cells, which are called Reed-Steinberg cells. Tumors from Hodgkin's lymphoma can affect the lymph nodes throughout the body, as well as the spleen and bone marrow, leading to swollen lymph nodes, night sweats and weight loss. Hodgkin's lymphoma can be treated with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In cases where the bone marrow is affected by the cancer, bone marrow transplants may treat the disease.
