Understanding Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or NHL, is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the lymph system, which is part of the immune system.1 It is one of the most common blood cancers among adults in the U.S.2

How NHL Starts

NHL occurs when too many abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced.3

Normally, old lymphocytes die, and the body creates new ones to replace them. In people with NHL these lymphocytes don’t die, but continue to grow and divide. This oversupply of lymphocytes crowds into lymph nodes, causing them to swell.3

85% of NHL cases start in lymphocytes called B-cells.4

A small percentage of cases start in lymphocytes called T-cells.4

NHL by the Numbers

ESTIMATED NEW CASES IN THE U.S. IN 20216
DIFFERENT TYPES5
MEDIAN AGE AT DIAGNOSIS6

Categories of NHL

NHL is grouped into two categories based on growth rate: indolent (slow-growing) and aggressive (fast-growing).1

FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA (FL)

is the most common type of indolent NHL.7

DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA (DLBCL)

is the most common type of aggressive NHL.7

Signs and Symptoms of NHL 3,8

The most common symptom is swollen lymph nodes, which can often be felt as lumps under the skin.

Symptoms of NHL may be seen in other conditions as well. Only a doctor will be able to tell if the symptoms are related to NHL.

SWOLLEN, PAINLESS LYMPH NODES

in neck, armpits or groin

COUGHING

trouble breathing or chest pain

ABDOMINAL PAIN

or feeling of fullness in abdomen

UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS
SOAKING NIGHT SWEATS
PERSISTENT WEAKNESS AND TIREDNESS
FEVER

Treatment of NHL1,7

Treatment approach is dependent on a variety of factors, including the type of NHL, growth rate and stage.

For Indolent NHL:

Doctors may recommend a “watch and wait” or observational approach until disease progression for some people who do not show any symptoms.7

This form of NHL is incurable and relapse is common. A goal of treatment is controlling the disease.9

For Aggressive NHL:

Doctors typically begin treatment immediately without an observational period.7

For most patients a goal is to achieve remission or control the disease if it does return.10,11

Treatment Options Include:

RADIATION
CHEMOTHERAPY
BONE MARROW OR STEM CELL TRANSPLANT
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES
OTHER TARGETED AGENTS

References

  1. National Cancer Institute. Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®). http://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/adult-nhl-treatment-pdq. Accessed July 3, 2019.
  2. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed July 3, 2019.
  3. American Cancer Society. What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/what-is-non-hodgkin-lymphoma.html. Accessed July 3, 2019.
  4. Harris N.L, Stein H, Coupland S.E, et al. New approaches to lymphoma diagnosis. Haematology January 1, 2001; DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2001.1.194.
  5. Swerdlow S.H., Campo E., Harris N.L., Jaffe E.S., Pileri S.A., Stein H., Thiele J., Vardiman J.W. (Eds.): WHO Classification of Tumors of Haematopoetic and Lymphoid Tissues. IARC: Lyon 2008.
  6. National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Statistics Factsheets: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/nhl.html. Accessed May 25, 2021.
  7. National Cancer Institute. Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment – for health professionals (PDQ®). http://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/adult-nhl-treatment-pdq#section/all. Accessed July 3, 2019.
  8. Evans L.S., Hancock B.W. Non hodgkin lymphoma. The Lancet. July 12, 2013; DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03) 13868-8.
  9. Ghielmini, M., Follicular Lymphoma. Ann Oncol. October 2010;DOI:10.10963/annonc/mdq287.
  10. Morrison et al., Approach to therapy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the elderly: the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) expert position commentary. Annals of Oncology. February 24, 2015; DOI:10.1093/annonc/mdv018.
  11. Shipp, M. et. al., A Predictive Model for Aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: The International Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Prognostic Factors Project. N Engl J Med. September 30, 1993; DOI: 10.1056/NEJM199309303291402.