What is lymphoma?

Cells in different parts of the body work in different ways, but they all repair and reproduce themselves in the same way.

Normally, this division of cells takes place in an orderly and controlled manner. However, if for some reason the process gets out of control, the cells continue to divide. This may lead to too many immature white blood cells in the blood or bone marrow. A lump or tumour may then develop in one or more groups of lymph nodes.

Lymphoma cells generally start to grow in lymph nodes, which are part of the lymphatic system|. Usually NHL affects groups of lymph nodes in one area of the body. However, the lymphoma cells can sometimes spread through the lymphatic system to lymph nodes in other parts of the body. They can also go into the bloodstream, which may carry them to other organs. When the cells reach a new area they may go on dividing and form a new tumour.

As there are lymph nodes and lymph vessels throughout the body, NHL can start in any part of the body. The most common place for it to start is in the lymph nodes in the neck. The next most common places are the lymph glands:

• under the arms (axilla)
• in the chest
• in the groin
• in the abdomen.

NHL can also occur in body organs. In some people it can affect the spleen, liver, lungs or bone marrow.

There are different types| of lymphoma. Most lymphomas are lymphomas of the B-cells; however there are also some that are lymphomas of the T-cells. These occur more commonly in teenagers and young adults.