What is Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL)?
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. Most people are familiar with lymph nodes; however the lymphatic system is a complex network of organs, ducts and nodes that interact with the blood circulatory system. The system of lymphatic vessels run throughout the body and connect lymph organs (bone marrow, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes (glands)). Circulating through the lymph system are white blood cells called lymphocytes. The lymphocytes (white blood cells) are an important part of the body’s immune system to fight infection and disease. The lymphocytes are further classified as B-cell and T-cell lymphocytes. Both B -cells and T- cells fight infection but in different ways. Although all lymphomas (cancer of the lymphatic system) start in the lymphatic system, they are broadly classified into two major groups, B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma. B-cell lymphoma develops from an abnormal B-cell and T-cell lymphoma develops from an abnormal T-cell. B-
