What is lymphoma?
The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system. It is made up of:
- lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell (there are 2 types of lymphocytes, T-cells and B-cells)
- lymph fluid – which carries lymphocytes and other immune system cells
- lymph vessels – thin tubes that carry lymph fluid throughout the body[1]
- lymph nodes (also called lymph glands) – type of lymph tissue that filter lymph fluid before it enters the bloodstream[2]
- other lymph tissue – this occurs in many parts of the body, including the spleen, thymus, tonsils, bone marrow and digestive tract.
Lymphoma can start in any part of the body that has lymph tissue. It often starts in lymph nodes in the chest or neck, or under the arms. From there, it spreads to other lymph nodes. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver and bone marrow.
Lymphoma is among the 10 most common cancers in men and women in Australia.
There are two main types of lymphoma, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, each with various subtypes, and they are classified based on the type of lymphocyte affected and how quickly they grow.
Explore statistics on lymphoma , including the number of new cases, deaths, survival rates, and overall prevalence.
The risk of developing lymphoma is influenced by various factors, including age, gender, family history, immune system health, and exposure to certain substances or infections.
Lymphoma can cause various symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, excessive sweating, fever, rash, weight loss, frequent infections, bleeding, bruising, swollen abdomen, cough, chest pain, headache, nervous system effects, itchy skin lumps, and more, and may differ based on the type of lymphoma and the patient’s age.
Diagnosing lymphoma involves various tests to assess symptoms, confirm the type of lymphoma, determine its stage of progression, and plan appropriate treatment.
Lymphoma treatment plans vary based on disease stage, location, symptoms, and patient health, and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplants, or active monitoring.
Living with cancer can be challenging, but you can find support from family, friends, health professionals, and cancer support organizations to help you cope with the emotional, physical, and practical issues related to your diagnosis.
Research is ongoing to find new ways to diagnose and treat different types of cancer.
Details for professionals seeking comprehensive information on lymphoma diagnosis and treatment.
Last updated 20 November 2024
