Hematologic Malignancies Program

Patient and Family Education

Lymphoma

What is lymphoma?

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Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system that fights disease and infections.

The lymph system is made up of thin tubes that branch, like blood vessels, into all parts of the body, including the skin. Lymph vessels carry lymph, a colorless, watery fluid that contains lymphocytes. Along the network of vessels are groups of small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, and abdomen.

The spleen (an organ in the upper abdomen that makes lymphocytes and filters old blood cells from the blood), the thymus (a small organ beneath the breastbone), and the tonsils (an organ in the throat) are also part of the lymph system.

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What are the types of lymphoma?

There are several types of lymphoma. The two main types are Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Hodgkin's disease causes the cells in the lymphatic system to reproduce abnormally, eventually making the body less able to fight infection.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma also causes the cells in the lymphatic system to reproduce abnormally and may eventually result in tumors. There are several types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and they are classified according to how fast they grow.

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What are the symptoms of lymphoma?

The symptoms of Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are very similar:

Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, and groin
Fever
Night sweats
Fatigue
Weight loss
Itching of the skin

Because these symptoms also resemble the symptoms of other blood disorders and medical problems, a person who experiences these symptoms should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

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How are lymphomas diagnosed and treated?

To learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of different types of lymphoma, see the following detail pages:

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The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center

The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center treats most lymphomas in its Hematologic Malignancies Program, which is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians and researchers who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the blood.

To make an appointment or to talk with someone about our treatment programs and services, call UMGCC's toll-free number: 1-800-888-8823

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This page was last updated on: October 7, 2009.