Lymphoma
A cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune defence.
Definition
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system — the network of lymph nodes, spleen and lymphatic vessels that forms part of the immune system. The two broad categories are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), each with multiple subtypes that behave very differently.
Typical presentations include painless swollen lymph nodes, fevers, night sweats, weight loss or fatigue. Diagnosis requires a lymph-node biopsy with detailed IHC and often molecular testing. Treatment options — chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation and stem-cell transplant — are highly effective for most subtypes, and many patients are cured.
See also
- Hodgkin Lymphoma — A type of lymphoma defined by the presence of distinctive Reed-Sternberg cells.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma — A large group of lymphomas that lack Reed-Sternberg cells and behave very differently from Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Lymph Node — Small bean-shaped immune organs that filter lymph fluid and often show the first signs of cancer spread.
- Hematologic Malignancy — A cancer that arises in the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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