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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Definition

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) is any of a large group of cancers of the immune system. There are many different types of NHL, and they can be divided into aggressive (fast-growing) and indolent (slow-growing) types, and are classified as either B-cell or T-cell NHL. B-cell NHLs include Burkitt's lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, immunoblastic large cell lymphoma, precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. T-cell NHLs include mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. Lymphomas related to lymphoproliferative disorders following bone marrow or stem cell transplantation are usually B-cell NHLs. Prognosis and treatment depend on the stage and type of disease.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is treated at the U-M Cancer Center in the Multidisciplinary Lymphoma Clinic.

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What are the symptoms of NHL?

The most common symptom is a painless lump under the arms, in the neck or in the groin that persists for several weeks. Other symptoms may include fevers, night sweats, tiredness, weight loss, itching and reddened patches on the skin. Of course, these signs may also point to other, less serious problems. If you should develop any of them you should get a check-up, because only a doctor can tell for sure.

What is the treatment?

Because there are so many types of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, the diagnostic tests can be complicated and the treatment plans are very diverse. There are many research efforts under way, and there has been progress in helping people with these cancers. We are exploring new methods of treating this disease at the University of Michigan, including approaches different from chemotherapy, such as radioimmunotherapy, such as Bexxar.

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