Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It is a type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells called lymphocytes or the immune system’s infection-fighting cells. These cells are found in the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and other parts of the human body. When a person suffers from lymphoma, the change and growth of the lymphocytes is out of control.

Lymphoma can happen at any age and is one of the most common cancers among children and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. Since it is in the bloodstream, this type of cancer can metastasize to various parts of the body. In the US, there is around 2.1 percent lifetime risk of contracting Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and 0.2 percent of contracting Hodgkin Lymphoma. This type of cancer is treatable and the outlook can differ based on the type and stage of lymphoma. Lymphoma is classified based on the kind of affected immune cells. There are two major types are Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and within each type are several subtypes:

1. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
NHL accounts for 90 percent of cases 4 percent of all cancers in the US. In this type of lymphoma, the tumors are developed in the lymphocytes. It is the most common type of lymphoma and has several subtypes. Among its subtypes, the most common are Follicular and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. NHL can start in the B-cells and T-cells. This type of lymphoma usually involves the presence of cancerous lymphocytes in the lymph nodes. However, it could also occur in other parts of the lymphatic system. This includes adenoids, tonsils, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus. There are also cases where this type of lymphoma involves organs outside of the lymphatic system.

Subtypes for NHL include:

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
• Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma
• Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
• Follicular Lymphoma
• Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
• Causes

In most instances, doctors are unsure about the exact cause of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. However, there are cases where it was caused by a weak immune system. Normally, it starts when the body releases too many abnormal lymphocytes. Generally, lymphocytes undergo a life cycle where they grow old, die, and replaced by the new ones created by the body. In NHL, lymphocytes do not die but increases in number and divides. This results in an oversupply of lymphocytes that crowds in the lymph nodes and causes swelling.

2. Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma is distinguished because of the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease, it is a type of cancer in the lymphatic system. It is common for individuals between 20 and 40 years old and those above 55 years old. Also known as HL. Reed-Sternberg, it happens when the cells in the lymphatic system abnormally grow and spread. HL. Reed-Sternberg is the more common type of lymphoma.

Subtypes of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma include:

• Nodular sclerosis HL
• Mixed cellularity HL
• Lymphocyte-depleted HL
• Lymphocyte-rich HL

Over the years, experts are not sure of the cause of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. However, it starts when the lymphocytes genetically mutate. The mutation causes the cells to rapidly multiply triggering numerous diseased cells to continue spreading and multiplying. As a result, a large number of abnormal lymphocytes accumulate in the lymphatic system, where the lymphocytes crowd and cause symptoms and signs of Classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.