Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Alternative names:

histiocytic lymphoma; lymphoblastic lymphoma; lymphocytic lymphoma; lymphoma - non-Hodgkin's; lymphosarcoma; reticulum cell sarcoma

Definition:

A group of malignancies of lymphoid tissue (lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cancers vary from indolent disease to rapidly progressive cancer. The cause is unknown, but it may be associated with suppression of the immune system, especially after organ transplantation. The tumors are graded according to their level of malignancy; low grade, intermediate grade, or high grade. Burkitt's tumor is an example of a high grade lymphoma. The tumors occur more frequently than Hodgkin's lymphoma. Most often it affects people over 50 years old. High-risk groups include organ transplant recipients and immunosuppressed people. The incidence is 3 out of 10,000 people.