Lymphoma is the name for a group of blood cancers that start in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system - the body's defense against infection. The marrow and lymphocytes are part of the immune system. Some other parts of the immune system are the lymph nodes, the lymphatic vessels, which connect the lymph nodes and contain lymph (a liquid that carries lymphocytes), and the spleen.  Lymphomas generally start in lymph nodes or lymphatic tissue in sites of the body such as the stomach or intestines. Lymphomas may involve the marrow and the blood in some cases.

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that occurs when lymphocytes--white blood cells that help protect the body from infection and disease--begin behaving abnormally. Abnormal lymphocytes may divide faster than normal cells or they may live longer than they are supposed to.

Lymphoma may develop in many parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood, or other organs.

There are two main types of lymphomas:

• Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) - There are five types of HL, an uncommon form of lymphoma that involves the Reed-Sternberg cells.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) - There are more than 25 types of NHL, some of which are more common than others. Any lymphoma that does not involve Reed-Sternberg cells is classified as non-Hodgkin's.

Lymphoma Fast Facts summarized from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Reliable Links:

The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is one place to start your information gathering process. For the newly diagnosed, click here for the best starting place. LRF has downloadable fact sheets in 3 languages; English, Spanish and Chinese. Additional information on clinical trials and news is available as well as patient support groups.
The latest issue of their magazine is also available as a download.


The National organization for Leukemia and Lymphoma - The Leukemia-Lymphoma Society is another reliable resource. Click here for the easiest way to navigate this site if you or a loved one is newly diagnosed. Unlike some forms of cancer, there are some signs and symptons of this disease. They have included the symptoms but you have to go through each type of blood cancer to find the signs. We found this a little difficult to navigate quickly. The section on disease information was thorough and written for non medical speaking individuals.
Many pages are available in multiple languages; French Spanish and Portugese. For explanations of the major types of blood Cacners, click here. This organization also provides a live chat line.
This site also has some financial support information.