Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
What is Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)?
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in your lymphatic system. This system is part of your immune defenses and includes lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs. When you have lymphoma, certain white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control and crowd out healthy cells.
There are two main types of lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma contains a specific abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes all other lymphomas, with over 60 different subtypes. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common, making up about 90% of all lymphoma cases.
Both types can affect people at any age, but they have different patterns. Hodgkin lymphoma has two peak ages, one in your 20s and another after age 55. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma becomes more common as you get older, with most cases diagnosed after age 60. Early detection through blood testing and imaging helps guide treatment decisions and improves outcomes.
Symptoms
- Painless swelling in lymph nodes, often in your neck, armpit, or groin
- Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Unexplained fever that comes and goes
- Night sweats that soak your sheets
- Unintentional weight loss of more than 10 pounds in 6 months
- Persistent cough or trouble breathing
- Itching all over your body without a visible rash
- Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating small amounts
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Frequent infections that your body struggles to fight
Some people have no symptoms in the early stages of lymphoma. Their condition may be discovered during routine blood work or imaging for another reason. This is why regular preventive testing matters, especially if you have risk factors.
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Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of lymphoma remains unclear, but certain factors increase your risk. Age plays a role, with risk rising as you get older. Having a weakened immune system from HIV, autoimmune diseases, or immunosuppressive medications raises your chances. Past infections with Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, or H. pylori bacteria may trigger lymphocyte changes. Exposure to certain chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and benzene has been linked to higher rates. Family history matters too, as having a close relative with lymphoma slightly increases your risk.
Lifestyle factors also contribute to lymphoma risk. Obesity may increase your chances of developing certain subtypes. Chronic inflammation from autoimmune conditions puts extra stress on your lymphatic system. A diet high in processed foods and low in vegetables may weaken your immune defenses over time. While you cannot change your age or genetics, you can reduce risk through healthy eating, avoiding toxic chemical exposure, maintaining a healthy weight, and supporting your immune system through good sleep and stress management.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosing lymphoma requires several steps. Your doctor will start with a physical exam to check for swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen. Blood tests are an important early screening tool. White blood cell count testing can reveal abnormal levels or atypical lymphocytes that suggest lymphoma. Rite Aid offers WBC testing as part of our preventive health panel at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide.
If blood tests raise concerns, your doctor will order additional testing. A biopsy of a swollen lymph node provides the definitive diagnosis. The tissue sample is examined under a microscope to identify cancer cells and determine the specific type of lymphoma. Imaging tests like CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs show where the lymphoma has spread. Bone marrow biopsy checks if cancer cells are in your marrow. These tests together help determine the stage and guide your treatment plan.
Treatment options
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells throughout your body
- Radiation therapy to target specific areas with cancer
- Immunotherapy drugs that help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells
- Targeted therapy that attacks specific proteins on cancer cells
- Stem cell transplant to replace damaged bone marrow after high-dose treatment
- Watchful waiting for slow-growing lymphomas with no symptoms
- Anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Regular exercise to maintain strength and reduce treatment side effects
- Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, or counseling
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco, which can interfere with treatment
- Working with a nutritionist to maintain healthy weight during treatment
- Supportive care to manage pain, nausea, and other symptoms
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Frequently asked questions
The main difference is the type of abnormal cell involved. Hodgkin lymphoma contains Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large abnormal lymphocytes visible under a microscope. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes all other lymphomas without these specific cells. Hodgkin lymphoma is less common and often has a better prognosis, while Non-Hodgkin includes over 60 different subtypes with varying aggressiveness.
Blood tests cannot definitively diagnose lymphoma, but they provide important early clues. White blood cell count testing can reveal abnormal levels or atypical lymphocytes that suggest something is wrong. These findings prompt your doctor to order more specific tests like lymph node biopsies. Regular blood testing helps catch potential problems early, when treatment is most effective.
The earliest sign is usually painless swelling in your lymph nodes, especially in your neck, armpit, or groin. You might also notice persistent fatigue, unexplained fevers, or night sweats that soak your sheets. Unintentional weight loss of more than 10 pounds in 6 months is another red flag. Some people have no symptoms early on, which is why preventive blood testing matters.
Many people with lymphoma can be cured, especially when caught early. Hodgkin lymphoma has cure rates above 80% with modern treatment. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma outcomes vary by subtype, with some aggressive types very treatable and some slow-growing types managed as chronic conditions. Your specific prognosis depends on the type, stage, your age, and overall health.
If you have risk factors like family history, weakened immune system, or past infections, annual blood testing is wise. Rite Aid offers preventive health testing twice per year, which can catch early warning signs. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk level. More frequent monitoring may be recommended if you have autoimmune conditions or are on immunosuppressive medications.
Focus on eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish. Regular gentle exercise helps maintain strength and reduce fatigue from treatment. Getting 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep supports your immune system. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, which interfere with treatment effectiveness and recovery.
Yes, lymphoma can spread because it starts in your lymphatic system, which runs throughout your body. Cancer cells can travel through lymph vessels to other lymph nodes, organs, or bone marrow. This is why staging tests are so important. They show where the lymphoma has spread and help determine the best treatment approach.
An abnormal white blood cell count can mean many things, not just lymphoma. High WBC might indicate infection, inflammation, or stress on your immune system. Low WBC could mean your bone marrow is not producing enough cells. If your count is abnormal with atypical cells present, your doctor will investigate further with additional tests to determine the cause.
Yes, treatment approaches differ significantly. Aggressive lymphomas like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma require immediate treatment with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Slow-growing lymphomas like follicular lymphoma may be monitored without treatment if you have no symptoms. Your oncologist will recommend a treatment plan based on the specific subtype, stage, and how the lymphoma is affecting your body.
Stress and diet do not directly cause lymphoma, but they influence your immune system health. Chronic stress weakens immune defenses over time. A diet high in processed foods and low in vegetables may increase inflammation and cancer risk. While you cannot prevent all lymphomas, supporting your immune system through healthy lifestyle choices, stress management, and avoiding environmental toxins may reduce your risk.