Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a term used to refer to a group of blood cancers. It is a type of cancer that develops in the white blood cells, also known as the lymphocytes. The lymphatic system is the body’s immune system. Tumors grow out of the lymphocytes and affect the entire immune system. Compared to other general Lymphomas, this one is more common.

Both Hodgkin’s, as well as non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, are blood cancers in the lymphocytes. A doctor can pinpoint the difference by finding out the presence of an abnormal cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. If it is present, it is diagnosed as Hodgkin’s, whereas if it is not present, then it is non-Hodgkin’s.

In 2015 , about 4.3 million people in the country had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In the country, about 2.1% of people are affected by this condition at some point in their life.

Symptoms
The symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma vary according to which part of the body it affects. The most common symptoms include

• Chest pains or trouble breathing
• Swollen lymph nodes in armpit, groin, or neck
• Night Sweats
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Coughing
• Abdominal pains and swelling

Lymphoma in the skin can cause itchiness, and leave out red or purple lumps. If it develops in the brain, seizure, fatigue, thinking problems, and even personality change can occur.

Types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
As there are different types of lymphoma, it is necessary for a doctor to pinpoint the difference. Only then can it be treated. Depending on whether the Lymphoma arises out of the B cell or T cell (major cellular components in the Lymphatic system), the type and its treatment can be determined. B-cell Lymphomas are more common.

The World Health Organization has devised a system to classify the different types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is based on the type of lymphocyte affected, how it looks under the microscope, the cell’s chromosome feature, and the presence of certain proteins on the surface of the cancerous cells.

Depending on the pace at which cancer grows and spreads, the types of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are grouped into indolent and aggressive lymphomas.

• Indolent lymphoma is low grade and progresses slowly. It is often left untreated and is watched closely. There is no standard treatment procedure for this.
• Aggressive lymphoma is a high-grade, fast-growing blood cancer. It requires immediate treatment, and standard treatment methods have helped in tranquilizing cancer.

If left untreated, all types of lymphoma will eventually spread across the lymphatic system affecting the brain, liver, or bone marrow.

Causes
Some of the most common causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are

• Usage of medicines that could suppress one’s immune system.
• Specific viruses such as HIV and Epstein-Barr infections can increase the risks
• Ulcer-causing bacteria Helicobacter Pyroli also increases the risk.
• Exposure to chemicals such as the ones used to kill insects and weeds.
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a common disease in people who are 60 and above

The chances of getting genetically affected are rare, though it never leaves out the possibility. The disease can spread and affect many parts of the lymphatic system. These include tonsils, spleen, lymphatic vessels, adenoids, thymus and bone marrow.

Treatment
Treatment is not always necessary for lymphoma. If it is Indolent lymphoma, and the person doesn’t show signs and symptoms, then treatment is often deferred.

If it is aggressive and grows rapidly, then immediate treatment is required. The most common modes of treatment are

• Chemotherapy
• Stem cell transplants
• Radiation therapy
• Therapy using other biological drugs that could boost the body’s immune system

All lot of alternative medicines have been developed to help tolerate cancer, though none can completely cure it. Art therapy, exercise, medication, spirituality, and music therapy have worked wonders among patients for whom the other treatment options were not working.