Lymphoma

Stage IV adult lymphoma; drawing shows four panels: (a) the top left panel shows cancer in the liver; (b) the top right panel shows cancer in the left lung and in two groups of lymph nodes below the diaphragm; (c) the bottom left panel shows cancer in the left lung and in a group of lymph nodes above the diaphragm and below the diaphragm; and (d) the bottom right panel shows cancer in both lungs, the liver, and the bone marrow. Also shown is primary cancer in the lymph nodes and a pullout of the brain with cerebrospinal fluid.

© 2019 Terese Winslow LLC, U.S. Govt. has certain rights. Used with Permission. Contact artist at www.teresewinslow.comexternal icon for licensing.

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Lymphomaexternal icon is a general term for cancers that start in the lymph system (the tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infections). The two main kinds of lymphoma are—

• Hodgkin lymphoma, which spreads in an orderly manner from one group of lymph nodes to another.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which spreads through the lymphatic system in a non-orderly manner.

Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can occur in children, teens, and adults.

What Causes Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma becomes more common as people get older. Unlike most cancers, rates of Hodgkin lymphoma are highest among teens and young adults (ages 15 to 39 years) and again among older adults (ages 75 years or older). White people are more likely than Black people to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and men are more likely than women to develop lymphoma.

Scientists do not fully understand all of the causes of lymphoma, but research has found many links. For example—

• Research has shown that people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at much higher risk of developing lymphoma.
• Other viruses, such as human T-cell lymphotrophic virusexternal icon and Epstein Barr virus, also have been linked with certain kinds of lymphoma.
• People exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation have a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Family history has been linked with a higher risk of Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Some studies suggest that specific ingredients in herbicides and pesticides may be linked with lymphoma, but scientists don’t know how much is needed to raise the risk of developing lymphoma.

Symptoms of Lymphoma

Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, especially in the part of the body where the lymphoma starts to grow. Other symptoms include fever, night sweats, feeling tired, and weight loss.

These symptoms can also come from other conditions. If you have any of them, talk to your doctor.

Statistics

The Data Visualizations tool makes it easy for anyone to explore and use the latest official federal government cancer data from United States Cancer Statistics. It includes the latest cancer data covering the U.S. population.

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma