The cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not known. The incidence of NHL has continued to increase over the years. When a person has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, abnormal rapid cell growth occurs. This abnormal growth may be triggered by an infection or exposure to something in the environment. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not contagious.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is cancer of the cells of the lymphatic system. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system either divide and grow without order or control, or old cells do not die as cells normally do. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can start almost anywhere in the body. It may occur in a single lymph node, a group of lymph nodes, or an organ such as the spleen. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can spread to almost any part of the body, including the liver, bone marrow, and spleen.

When non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is suspected, a piece of tissue (biopsy) must be obtained to confirm the diagnosis. Occasionally this can be done by inserting a needle into a lymph node, but usually the entire lymph node must be removed. The piece of tissue is then analyzed under a microscope by a pathologist to see whether NHL is present.

There are many different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Over the years, experts have used a variety of terms to classify these different types. Most often, they are grouped by how the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly they are likely to grow and spread. Aggressive lymphomas, also known as intermediate- and high-grade lymphomas, tend to grow and spread quickly and cause severe symptoms.

Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, the body's immune system. In the immune systems of people with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, abnormal lymphocytes emerge and divide uncontrollably and at an alarming rate, overcrowding the lymph nodes and impairing their functions. This type of cancer accounts for about 5 percent of all cancer cases in the United States and can spread to anywhere in the body, including the bone marrow, liver, spleen, or other organs.

Currently, there is no cure for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but there are several types of treatment available to help bring about remission. These include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, observation, biological therapy, high-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow transplantation, and high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Cancers that originate in the lymphatic system (also called the body's immune system) are called lymphomas. In part, the lymphatic system is composed of lymph nodes, which are small, spherical clusters of lymphocytes, or white blood cells. In a healthy immune system, lymphocytes have a normal cycle of life-they are produced regularly, and they die off regularly. In cases of lymphoma, the lymphatic system becomes abnormal, producing functionless or defective cells at an alarming rate.

Yes. Many new therapies, or combinations of therapies, are being studied. Working with a trained oncologist will help to insure that you receive the most up-to-date and effective treatment. You may want to consider enrolling in a clinical research trial. This is a study in which some patients are given the standard treatment for a particular type of cancer, while other patients are given a new treatment. Any treatment tested in people must first pass rigorous tests in animals.

Even before treatment begins, lymphoma may cause anemia. Anemia can cause extreme fatigue. Lymphoma may also interfere with the immune system, making infections more likely. Sleep disorders, depression and anxiety are also common effects. In the advanced stages of cancer, people often develop cachexia, in which they stop eating and develop profound fatigue and weakness. Speak with your doctor if you are having trouble with any of these symptoms.

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extremely rare form of cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for just 1 percent of all cancer cases in the United States. It is triggered by the random, uncontrollable growth of cells in the lymphatic system. These cells amass, forming unhealthy tumors. Because lymphatic tissue can be found throughout the body, Hodgkin's disease can originate anywhere. It usually begins in one lymph node or a group of lymph nodes and then spreads throughout the body, but its causes are not known.

Cy, JUDGE DREDD, Madtoscratch, Lianne, lutece, SueB, akesingland, riaY, bryndavell, Groovygirl, david_8, SJ, Terrimayormaynot, jjoblogs1, anglichanin, Tom_B, bubble, TrishR, squoink, GATTACA, willy, Roger, margurita_simpson, snowy, beacon, LyndsayA, stripe77, Snow Surfer, lighthearted The material has been extracted from Psoriasis at your fingertips by Dr Tim Mitchell & Rebecca Penzer (Class Publishing).