What is the difference between hodgkins and non hodgkins lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s disease is one of these two types. All other types of lymphomas are considered non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), There are about 20 different types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The only way to tell the difference between Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is by looking at the cells under a microscope. In some cases, sensitive lab tests may be needed to tell them apart. The cells of Hodgkin’s lymphoma have a particular appearance under the microscope. These cells are called Reed Sternberg cells. Non Hodgkin’s lymphomas do not have Reed Sternberg cells. Research has convinced most scientists that Reed Sternberg cells are a type of white blood cell called a B lymphocyte, which has become cancerous. B lymphocytes normally make antibodies to help fight infections.
