The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says an estimated 74,000 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with lymphoma in 2009 and nearly 21,000 men and women will die of the disease. Lymphoma is a cancerous disease of the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, thymus gland, spleen and bone marrow). The primary types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The American Cancer Society says these two types of lymphomas differ in how they act, spread and react to treatment.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma begins in your lymphatic system where tumors develop from a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. The non-Hodgkin's variety of lymphoma is far more common that Hodgkin's disease.
There are several subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that can develop from either B-cells or T-cells. Lymphocytes exist as either B cells or T cells.
Lymphomas that occur after bone marrow or stem cell transplantation are usually B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The Mayo Clinic says about 85 percent of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas develop in B cells. The remaining 15 percent are of the T-cell variety.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that is characterized by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell (giant cells usually derived from B lymphocytes).
Hodgkin's lymphoma most often strikes between the ages of 15 and 40, with most cases diagnosed during the 20s. The two main types of Hodgkin's lymphoma are classical Hodgkin's lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas include swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, abdominal pain or swelling, night sweats, fever and chronic fatigue. Some individuals experience chest pain, difficulty breathing and very itchy skin. There may also be lack of appetite accompanied by weight loss.
Treatment
If the lymphoma seems to be slow growing, a doctor may suggest a wait-and-see approach before deciding on a treatment plan. In these cases cancer therapy can sometimes be postponed for at least one year.
In most cases of both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkins lymphoma, treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation and sometimes stem cell transplantation.
Prognosis
The National Cancer Institute says the overall five-year survival rate for lymphoma is approximately 70 percent. According to the American Cancer Society the mean five-year relative survival rate for people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is 65 percent, and about 85 percent of patients who have been treated for Hodgkin's disease are still alive five years after the initial diagnosis.
Tags: Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, about percent, American Cancer