Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a disease in which malignant cells form in the lymph system. The lymph system is part of the immune system and is made up of the following:

• Lymph, a colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system and carries white blood cells called lymphocytes.
• Lymph vessels, a network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different parts of the body and return it to the bloodstream.
• Lymph nodes, small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and store white blood cells that help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are located along the lymph vessels.
• The spleen, an organ that makes lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells.
• The thymus, an organ in which lymphocytes grow and multiply.
• The tonsils, two small masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat.
• Bone marrow, the soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones.

Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma can begin in almost any part of the body. Age, gender, and a weakened immune system can affect the risk of adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program estimates 80,620 people in the United States will be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2024, and 20,140 will die of the disease. The five-year survival rate is estimated to be 74.3%.

Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute