Sign In



Remember Me

MedlinePlus®

A service of the National Library of Medicine.

MerckSource received the 2006 WebAward for Outstanding Website Development from the Web Marketing Association at the annual WebAward competition.






MerckSource was honored at the Healthcare Internet Conference in Atlanta, receiving the 2006 Gold eHealthcare Leadership Award for best health/healthcare content.






MerckSource received the 2006 WWW site Award of Excellence from the Health Improvement Institute.  This award honors excellence in health communications.






More Awards
LymphomaLymphoma

Lymphomas are cancers (malignancies) of the cells that make up the immune system and which reside in the lymphatic system. Lymphoma affects a specific type of white blood cell called lymphocytes, which help fight infection. The 2 main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Show Full Description
Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help fight infection. Lymphocytes are found in the lymphatic system and in blood-forming organs, such as the bone marrow. Lymphomas can develop from either B lymphocytes (which produce antibodies) or T lymphocytes (which fight viral infections). Lymphoma cells, which are cancerous lymphocytes, may remain confined to a single lymph node or can spread to bone marrow, the spleen, or virtually any other organ. The 2 main types of lymphoma are non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease).

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma. About 65,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are diagnosed each year, usually in older people and in people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include painless enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin. Cough and difficulty breathing may occur if enlarged lymph nodes in the chest press against airways. Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may also experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss, fevers, or progressive leg swelling caused by enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen.

Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) is more common among males than females and most often affects people between the ages of 15 and 34 and those older than 60. About 8,000 new cases of Hodgkin's disease occur each year in the United States. Symptoms of Hodgkin's disease include 1 or more enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or sometimes in the armpit or groin. Fever, night sweats, weight loss, itching, and fatigue can also be caused by Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma may experience abdominal or chest discomfort due to enlargement of lymph nodes.

The information provided in the Lymphoma Condition Guide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Stay up-to-date on this condition
Register now to receive a periodic Source Report newsletter on Cancer.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Learn About Lymphoma

Manage Lymphoma

Find Help and Support

Stay Informed

Related Conditions

Learn About Lymphoma

Manage Lymphoma

Interactive Human Atlas
The atlas features rotating models,
Interactive Human Atlas
labeled slides, and printable text in addition to animated videos.
Risk Assessments, Tools, & Health Quizzes

Find Help and Support

Stay Informed

News
Study Sheds Light on Deadly Childhood Cancer
Reuters Health - January 05, 2009
LONDON (Reuters) - A gene involved in cell division also helps fuel a deadly childhood cancer called neuroblastoma and could offer a new way to develop drugs to treat the disease, German researchers said on Monday....

Diet Tied to Survival in Breast Cancer Patients
Reuters Health - January 05, 2009
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women with early-stage breast cancer may live longer if they maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, a new study suggests....

Doctor, former patient now colleagues in Detroit
Associated Press - January 03, 2009
DETROIT - When Dr. Trevor Banka treats cancer patients alongside Dr. Michael Mott he is working with not only his mentor, but the physician who helped save his life....


print this page add to my folder
 
20650392(1)-06/06-EBS-CON