Non-hodgkin lymphoma

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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (pronunciation: non-HODG-kin lim-FOH-muh) is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, the body's disease-fighting network. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease), the spleen, and the bone marrow.

Etymology

The term "Non-Hodgkin lymphoma" is named after the British physician Thomas Hodgkin, who first described lymphoma in 1832. The prefix "Non-" is used to distinguish this group of lymphomas from Hodgkin's lymphoma, a specific type of lymphoma.

Types

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be further divided into a number of subtypes, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and Burkitt lymphoma, among others.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and lack of energy.

Causes

While the exact cause of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not known, it is believed to be caused by a mutation in the DNA of a lymphocyte - a type of white blood cell. This mutation causes the lymphocytes to multiply and accumulate abnormally.

Treatment

Treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the disease, but may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplant.

See also

External links

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