CancerICD-10: C81-C85About 89,000 new cases of lymphoma diagnosed annually in the U.S.
Lymphoma
Also known as: Hodgkin Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Lymphatic Cancer
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma (with Reed-Sternberg cells) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a broader, more diverse group). Many forms are highly treatable, with Hodgkin lymphoma having one of the highest cure rates of any cancer.
Symptoms
Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
Persistent fatigue
Unexplained fever
Drenching night sweats
Unexplained weight loss (>10% in 6 months)
Itchy skin without visible rash
Shortness of breath or cough if chest nodes are enlarged
Loss of appetite
Causes
- Genetic mutations in lymphocytes
- Epstein-Barr virus infection associated with some types
- Immune suppression (HIV, post-transplant immunosuppression)
- H. pylori associated with gastric MALT lymphoma
Risk Factors
- Weakened immune system
- Prior Epstein-Barr virus infection (for Hodgkin lymphoma)
- Age (Hodgkin peaks in young adults and over 55; non-Hodgkin increases with age)
- Family history of lymphoma
- Autoimmune conditions
- Exposure to certain pesticides
Diagnosis
- Excisional lymph node biopsy
- Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry
- PET-CT scan for staging
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Blood tests including LDH, CBC, and ESR
Treatment
- Chemotherapy (ABVD for Hodgkin; R-CHOP for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma)
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy (rituximab, brentuximab vedotin, checkpoint inhibitors)
- CAR-T cell therapy for relapsed disease
- Stem cell transplant for relapsed disease
- Watchful waiting for indolent lymphomas
Prevention
- No known way to prevent most lymphomas
- Reduce HIV risk through safe practices
- Treat H. pylori to prevent gastric MALT lymphoma
When to See a Doctor
- Painless, swollen lymph node persisting more than 2 weeks
- Unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss
- Persistent fatigue or itching without identifiable cause
- A known lymph node enlargement is growing
Frequently Asked Questions
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