What is the difference between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

The key difference is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are found in Hodgkin lymphoma but not in NHL. NHL is more common, comprises many more subtypes, and can arise from B cells, T cells, or NK cells.

Is Non-Hodgkin lymphoma curable?

Many aggressive forms of NHL, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, can be cured with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Indolent subtypes may not be curable but can often be managed for many years with treatment.

What is the survival rate for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

The overall 5-year relative survival rate for NHL is about 73%, but this varies greatly by subtype and stage. Some subtypes like follicular lymphoma have 5-year survival rates exceeding 90%.

CancerICD-10: C85About 80,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Also known as: NHL, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a diverse group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, arising from abnormal lymphocytes (B cells, T cells, or NK cells). It is the seventh most common cancer in the United States, with more than 60 subtypes ranging from indolent (slow-growing) to aggressive. Treatment and prognosis vary widely depending on the specific subtype and stage at diagnosis.

Symptoms

Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin

Unexplained fever

Drenching night sweats

Unintentional weight loss (more than 10% in 6 months)

Persistent fatigue

Abdominal pain or swelling

Chest pain, cough, or difficulty breathing

Itchy skin

Causes

Acquired DNA mutations in lymphocytes leading to uncontrolled growth
Some subtypes associated with infections (EBV, H. pylori, hepatitis C, HTLV-1)
Chromosomal translocations (e.g., t(14;18) in follicular lymphoma)

Risk Factors

Age over 60
Immunosuppression (HIV, organ transplant recipients)
Autoimmune diseases (Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease)
Chronic infections (H. pylori, hepatitis C, EBV)
Exposure to certain pesticides and chemicals
Family history of lymphoma

Diagnosis

Excisional lymph node biopsy with histopathology
Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry for cell typing
PET/CT scan for staging
Bone marrow biopsy
Blood tests including LDH, CBC, and metabolic panel

Treatment

Chemotherapy (CHOP regimen for aggressive NHL)
Immunotherapy (rituximab for B-cell NHL)
Radiation therapy for localized disease
Targeted therapy (ibrutinib, lenalidomide for specific subtypes)
CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed or refractory disease
Watchful waiting for indolent subtypes with minimal symptoms

Prevention

No reliable way to prevent most cases of NHL
Treat H. pylori and hepatitis C infections promptly
Avoid unnecessary immunosuppression
Limit exposure to pesticides and industrial chemicals

When to See a Doctor

Painless, persistent lymph node swelling lasting more than 2–3 weeks
Unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss (B symptoms)
Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
New abdominal swelling or discomfort

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Leukemia

Cancer

Mononucleosis

Infectious

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