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What is Lymphoma?Lymphoma is a broad term encompassing a variety of cancers of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps filter out bacteria and is important in fighting disease. Every so often, the lymph vessels widen into lymph nodes. Most of us have felt these under our arms or neck (like when sick with mono or an infection). In lymphoma, some of the cells in the lymph system multiply uncontrollably - if all the cells are the same they are called malignant or cancerous. Lymphoma is differentiated by the type of cell that multiplies and how the cancer presents itself. |
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| The two main groups of lymphoma in humans are Hodgkin's Disease (characterized by the growth of
Reed-Sternberg cells in the cancer) and the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas.
If you want to know the differences between these two groups, a chart
is now available.
56,390 Americans (29,070 men and 27,320 women) are |
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expected to be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the US in 2005 according to ACS. About 7,350 new cases of Hodgkin's disease will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Hodgkin's lymphoma affects women somewhat less often than men. Of the 7,350 new cases, about 3,370 will occur in women, and 3,980 in men. Since the early 1970s, incidence rates for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have nearly
doubled. Incidence rates for Hodgkin’s disease have declined
about 60%. The rise of AIDS
has contributed to the number of people diagnosed as their immune
system is weakened enough to get a number of illnesses. Better means
of diagnosis has also increased the number as doctors better understand
cancer of lymphocytes verses other diseases. If you are looking for information on Lymphedema (abnormal swelling due to the presence of excess lymphatic fluid within the tissues) instead of lymphoma - please refer to our lymphedema page. Animal lymphomas are not related to human
cancers at all. Lymphoma - Where do I Start?Finding out you or someone close to you has lymphoma is a devastating experience. The
oncologist and others on your "medical team" (do not discount the wisdom of your
nurse!) will explain many things to you and (hopefully) give you information on your
condition and treatment. Often times, though, people seek additional information. Since
you are here, I assume you, like I, turned to the computer to find information via the
Internet. Adult Lymphomas Childhood Lymphomas If some of the terms are unfamiliar, you can check the lymphoma Glossary
of Terms. Books
Other good books may be located in the books section. People For chat information and other contacts with real people, see the Lymphoma Support and Lymphoma Organizations sections. To continue your quest for lymphoma information please see
This page is a work in progress - if you have more complete information, references, or other information please contact the author. The author is not in the medical field and does not warrant the correctness of the material on this page or the sites linked - please take online information and consult with your own medical team to make informed decisions. Copyright © 2003-2005 Lymphoma Information Network,
All Rights Reserved |
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