Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the cells of the lymphatic system which is the immune system of the body that helps fight off infections and diseases. The lymph system is present throughout the body and hence this type of cancer can develop anywhere. Lymphoma can begin in the white blood cells known as lymphocytes. There are two types of lymphoma; Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma which can affect both the adults and the children. Lymphomas are also grouped as indolent or aggressive. The indolent lymphomas are very slow growing which may not require treatment for several months or years. The aggressive lymphomas are fast growing, causing symptoms and require immediate treatment. The lymphoma that develops in the brain is called primary central nervous system lymphomas which are rare and usually occurs in people who have weak immune system.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
The Hodgkin lymphoma can start to develop in the lymph nodes and are commonly found in the neck, under the arms, in the chest and the groin. The Hodgkin lymphoma can affect a group of lymph nodes in a part of the body although it can be detected in more than one part of the body as it spreads through the lymphatic system. It can also continue to affect other organs such as the bone marrow, lungs and the liver through the bloodstream. There are different types of Hodgkin lymphoma which can continue to grow and spread differently and hence the treatment varies. The two types of Hodgkin lymphoma include the classical and the nodular lymphocyte-predominant. Most of the cases of Hodgkin lymphoma belong to the classic type. The treatment for this type of lymphoma is successful and most of the affected individuals can be cured or it can be controlled for several years.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
The non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common than the other types of lymphoma. There are several forms of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the treatment is based on the type. The B-cell lymphomas and the T-cell lymphomas are the common ones. The B-cell lymphomas are more common than the T-cell lymphomas. The most common types of B-cell lymphomas include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. The less common types include Burkitt lymphoma, thyroid lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and MALT lymphoma. The T-cells lymphomas are less common and include peripheral T-cell lymphoma, cutaneous lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Some of the symptoms that can develop include enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal pain or swelling, night sweats, weight loss, fever, fatigue and chest pain. The treatment of lymphoma that causes symptoms includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications to help immune system fight off cancer or a stem cell transplant.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/non-hodgkins-lymphoma/basics/treatment/con-20027792
https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma