3 Lymphoma
Learn how Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma differ, how symptoms and disease distribution are described, and how treatment options vary.
Lymphoma types
Lymphoma includes distinct disease types, and their features and treatment can vary. is commonly associated with in a lymph-node tissue sample; a tissue biopsy helps establish the diagnosis.
is not one uniform disease. Its varied subtypes may be indolent or aggressive, and their growth rates and treatment approaches differ.
Symptoms and the
are unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. They are clinically relevant when assessing Hodgkin lymphoma.
The indicates whether qualifying systemic symptoms are present: A means they are absent, and B means they are present. This designation is used with Hodgkin lymphoma staging; it is no longer used in NHL staging.
Disease distribution in stages III and IV
Lymphoma stages describe the distribution of disease. involves lymph-node regions on both sides of the diaphragm. includes disseminated involvement of extranodal organs, such as the liver or bone marrow. Stage III can involve lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm without this pattern of organ involvement.
Treatment depends on disease features
Hodgkin lymphoma treatment can include chemotherapy with or without radiation. Whether radiation is included depends on the disease and the treatment plan; factors such as stage and response can influence the approach.
NHL treatment depends on the subtype and other clinical factors. Options include for selected indolent disease, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Treatment is not the same for every NHL subtype.