Lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymphocytes, white blood cells in the lymphatic system. There are two main types of lymphoma:
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Differentiating among the types is important for prognosis (outlook) and treatment decisions.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is defined by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells (Hodgkin cells), which are large, abnormal lymphocytes. A trained pathologist or physician can identify the cells under a microscope.
Hodgkin lymphoma tends to affect people between 20 to 30 years old. The disease usually starts in the upper body (neck, chest or armpits).
Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable forms of cancer. After treatment is complete, your care team will develop a survivorship plan that minimizes long-term side effects of treatment. Those risks include infertility, secondary cancers or toxicities to vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma. They represent about 90% of all lymphomas diagnosed each year. In NHL, abnormal cells accumulate in the lymph nodes and other areas of the body.
There are many subtypes of NHL. Some grow slowly, and others are more aggressive. Most people with NHL are older than 55 at diagnosis.
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM)
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. WM cells make an abnormal protein called macroglobulin. The protein accumulates in the blood, making the blood thick and sticky, affecting circulation and causing other complications.
In addition to general lymphoma symptoms, WM can cause:
- Bleeding in the nose or gums
- Changes in vision
- Confusion
- Numbness in the hands and feet
Types of Lymphoma: The Penn Medicine Advantage
If you have lymphoma, it’s essential to know the specific type. The information guides treatment decisions and helps you understand your prognosis. If you choose the Penn Medicine Blood Cancer Program, you’ll find:
- Help through the lymphoma journey: Our nurses and nurse navigators make sure you quickly get the right tests to make an accurate lymphoma diagnosis and help you understand the results.
- Lymphoma expertise: Our lymphoma team consists of fellowship-trained hematologists (blood cancer experts). They’re experts in the individual complexities of each type.
- Treatment options: We offer comprehensive lymphoma treatment options depending on the type of lymphoma you have and how advanced it is. Treatments range from traditional cancer treatments to the newest, most advanced options in lymphoma treatments.
Make an Appointment
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