Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. Lymphatic system is a part of the immune system that helps in fighting infection and disease.

There are various types of NHL classified based on the cells it originates from and its growth pattern. In this article, we will discuss the types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas.

B cell Lymphomas

B cells are a type of white blood cells that are responsible for producing antibodies to fight infection. B cell NHLs make up the majority of NHL cases.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

DLBCL is the most common type of NHL. It develops from B cells in the lymphatic system and grows rapidly. It can occur in any part of the body, but it commonly affects lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs.

DLBCL is an aggressive lymphoma that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Follicular Lymphoma

Follicular Lymphoma is a type of NHL that originates from B cells in the germinal center of lymph nodes. It grows slowly and indolently. It can remain asymptomatic for years and may not require immediate treatment. It commonly affects older adults.

Marginal Zone Lymphoma

Marginal Zone Lymphoma is a type of NHL that represents less than 10% of all NHL cases. It develops from B cells in the marginal zone of lymphoid tissues.

It grows slowly and commonly affects organs such as stomach, salivary glands, lungs, and thyroid gland. It can be treated with radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.

T cell Lymphomas

T cells are a type of white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune system. T cell NHLs are less common than B cell NHLs but can be more aggressive.

Peripheral T cell Lymphoma

Peripheral T cell Lymphoma is a type of NHL that develops from mature T cells in the blood and lymphatic system. It grows rapidly and commonly affects lymph nodes, skin, and other organs.

It can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is a type of NHL that originates from T cells and grows rapidly. It commonly affects lymph nodes, skin, and other organs. It can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.

Related Article Understanding Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

NK/T cell Lymphomas

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune system. NK/T cell NHLs are rare tumors that develop from NK/T cells.

Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type

Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type is a rare type of NHL that commonly affects the nasal cavity. It can spread to the skin, soft tissue, and other organs. It grows rapidly and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Aggressive NK cell Leukemia/Lymphoma

Aggressive NK cell Leukemia/Lymphoma is a rare and aggressive type of NHL that develops from NK cells. It commonly affects adults and is prevalent in East Asia and South America.

It grows rapidly and requires intensive chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.

Burkitt Lymphoma

Burkitt Lymphoma is a rare and aggressive type of NHL that develops from B cells. It grows rapidly and commonly affects the jaw, facial bones, and abdomen. It can be treated with intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle Cell Lymphoma is a rare type of NHL that develops from B cells in the mantle zone of lymph nodes. It grows slowly and commonly affects the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs.

It commonly affects older men and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma

Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma is a rare type of NHL that develops from B cells in the thymus gland or mediastinum. It grows rapidly and commonly affects young women.

It can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.

Conclusion

NHLs are a diverse group of cancers that can originate from different types of cells in the immune system. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in improving survival rates.

Treatment modalities for NHLs include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy.