Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system|.
There are two main types of lymphoma:
About 4 in 5 (80%) of all lymphomas diagnosed are non-Hodgkin lymphoma. More than 9,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma each year. There are many different types| of NHL, some of which are more common than others.
It’s only possible to tell the difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas when the cells are looked at under the microscope. Often the cells need to be stained with dyes to show their structure. Usually, the cells will also be tested for the presence of particular proteins.
In most cases of Hodgkin lymphoma, a particular cell known as the Reed-Sternberg cell is found when cells from the lymph node are examined under a microscope. This cell is not usually found in other lymphomas, so they are called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This may not seem a very big difference, but it’s important because the treatments for Hodgkin| and non-Hodgkin lymphomas| are very different.
We have separate information about Hodgkin lymphoma.|
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.