What is non-Hodgkins lymphoma?
A lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of the body’s immune system and helps filter out bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted substances. Most people don’t notice the workings of their lymphatic systems; in fact, the only time you may be aware of your lymphatic system is when the lymph nodes (which are sometimes referred to as glands) swell up. This often happens when a person is sick — a sign that the lymphatic system is working hard to filter harmful substances out of the body. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a disease in which cancer cells form in a person’s lymphatic system and start to grow uncontrollably. There are several different types of lymphomas. Some lymphomas involve a particular type of cell; these are grouped under the heading Hodgkin’s disease. All other forms of lymphoma fall into the non-Hodgkin’s grouping. The different forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depend on such things as what the cells look like under a microscope. No one reall
