What is Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL)?
NHL is the most common of all lymphomas that affects people with HIV. Lymphomas are cancerous tumors of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system that defends the body against disease. NHL occurs when the body’s B-cells or T-cells (types of white blood cells) start growing and dividing abnormally causing tumors to develop. NHL is separated into two major categories: systemic lymphomas and primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas. Systemic lymphomas occur mostly in people with CD4 counts over 50. CNS lymphomas occur mostly in people with CD4 counts 50 and under and who have had other opportunistic infections. In people with HIV, NHL often develops outside the lymph nodes, including the liver, bone marrow, stomach, brain, mouth and anus. What are the Signs and Symptoms of NHL? Swollen lymph nodes are the most common sign of NHL. Other symptoms include fevers, weight loss, fatigue, rectal pain, abnormal pain or vomiting. People with CNS lymphoma can d
