Non Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, which is the body’s natural defence against infection and disease. This is a complex system made up of the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes throughout the body. These are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are also known as lymph glands, and the ones you are most likely to notice are those in the neck, armpit and groin. The number of lymph nodes varies from one part of the body to another: in some parts there are very few, whereas under your arm there may be between 20–50 nodes.

Cancers which start in the lymphatic system are called lymphomas. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Although these are both types of lymphoma, there are significant differences between them, which means that the treatment is also different.

Key Facts about Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

• – Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system
• – There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma & non-Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as NHL
• – Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the fifth most common cancer in the UK
• – Around 11,500 people are diagnosed with it each year
• – About 80 children of all ages develop Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) in the UK each year. It is more common in boys than girls
• – More than 80% of the children who get NHL recover completely, but the chances of successful treatment depend on the specific type, stage and grade of lymphoma

Research

Further resources