 | Incidence | | | 20 /100 000/year |
| UK Incidence | | | 8,450/year |
| Median age | | | 65 years |
| M:F ratio | | | 1.5:1 |
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|  |  | Disease Name; |
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
| Synonyms; |
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
| Description; |
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system - the network of lymph glands and channels which occurs throughout the body. This collects lymph - fluid that bathes all the body cells. The lymphatic system is also a very important part of the immune system which keeps the body free of infection. This is mainly achieved by the cells within the lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues. These are called lymphocytes and, like other blood cells, originate within the bone marrow. Lymphocytes can be classified as T- or B-cells according to markers on the surface of the cells. The T- and B-lymphocytes have distinct functions within the immune system. B-cells produce antibodies while T-cells have a variety of roles including regulation of the immune system and direct killing of bacteria or parasites. Tumours of the lymphatic tissues are known as lymphomas. There are thirty-five different types of lymphoma recognised in the most recent classification system. These are grouped into two main types called Hodgkin's lymphoma (five sub-types), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (thirty sub-types). Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is distinguished from all other types of lymphoma by the presence of a distinctive abnormal lymphocyte called a Reed-Sternberg cell.
All types of lymphoma except Hodgkin's disease are collectively known as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Although detailed classification of NHL is very complex, for treatment planning purposes most clinicians group all cases as either indolent (slow-progressing) or aggressive. Indolent may be called low-grade and aggressive may be called high-grade.
Last updated 06/02/2006 |
