Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma describes a group of cancers that develop from a specific type of white blood cell known as a lymphocyte. Lymphocytes, usually concentrated in the lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow, play an important role in protecting the body from foreign invaders. Due to the different types of lymphocytes and the many locations non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur, several non-Hodgkin's related diseases exists, often referred to as sub-types.
Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) describes one of the most common types of cancers related to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, accounting for one of every three cases according to the American Cancer Society. DLBCL originate in B cells---the specific type of lymphocyte that functions to produce antibodies---in the lymph nodes, commonly those in the neck or armpits, but can grow in other areas of the body such as the gastrointestinal tract, testes, thyroid, skin, breast, bone or brain. Symptoms include a noticeable swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin, night sweats, fever and unexplained weight loss. Although DLBCL grows rapidly, it also responds well to treatment with approximately half of all people cured with therapy.
Follicular Lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma, named for the circular pattern of cell growth, accounts for approximately 20 to 30 percent of all non-Hodgkin's related lymphomas, according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Follicular lymphoma, another B cell lymphoma, grows slowly producing a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. Follicular lymphomas often prove difficult to cure and about one in three cases it transforms into a faster growing B cell lymphoma.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Mantle cell lymphoma occurs in the B cells found on the outer edge of the lymph node follicle, an area known as the mantle zone. The uncontrolled growth of these B cells causes the lymph nodes to swell. Mantle cell lymphoma can also affect the bone marrow, liver and gastrointestinal tract. Mantle cell lymphoma accounts for approximately six percent of all non-Hodgkin's lymphoma related diseases, according to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Hairy Cell Leukemia
Despite the name, hairy cell leukemia describes a type of cancer related to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hairy cell leukemia originates in small B cells with projections coming off of them giving them a hairy appearance. Hairy cell leukemia is a rare disease, with only about 1,000 new cases in the U.S. reported each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Symptoms of hairy cell leukemia include a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, fatigue, recurrent infections, easy bruising, weakness and weight loss. Although no cure exists for hairy cell leukemia, therapy can cause the disease to go into remission that can last many years.
Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma
Peripheral T cell lymphomas originate in the T lymphocytes---specialized white blood cells that can recognize foreign invaders, produce cytokines to attract other white blood cells and destroy some cancer cells. Peripheral T cell lymphomas account for approximately 10 to 15 percent of all lymphomas related to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Several types of peripheral T cell lymphomas exist, classified by the original location of the tumor.
