What Is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. These cells are in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts of the body. When you have lymphoma, lymphocytes change and grow out of control.
There are two main types of lymphoma:
Non-Hodgkin: Most people with lymphoma have this type.
Hodgkin
Causes
Scientists don't know what causes lymphoma in most cases.
- You might be more at risk if you:
- Are in your 60s or older for non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Are between 15 and 40 or older than 55 for Hodgkin lymphoma
- Are male, although certain subtypes may be more common in females
- Have a weak immune system from HIV/AIDS, an organ transplant, or because you were born with an immune disease
- Have an immune system disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, or celiac disease
- Have been infected with a virus such as Epstein-Barr, hepatitis C, or human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (HTLV-1)
- Have a close relative who had lymphoma
- Were exposed to benzene or chemicals that kill bugs and weeds
- Were treated for Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the past
- Were treated for cancer with radiation
Symptoms
- Warning signs of lymphoma include:
- Swollen glands (lymph nodes), often in the neck, armpit, or groin that are painless
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Itching
Many of these symptoms can also be warning signs of other illnesses. See your doctor find out for sure if you have lymphoma.
