Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system. It is the most common blood cancer with around 14,000 people diagnosed each year. Lymphoma is also known as a cancer of the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread through your body. It develops when your white blood cells, called lymphocytes, start to behave abnormally.

A common symptom of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes (glands). These swellings may appear in your neck, armpit, collarbone, groin or elsewhere in the body. You may also experience night sweats and weight loss.

The treatment that you have will depend on the type of lymphoma that you have. There are two main types:

• Hodgkins lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkins lymphoma

Within these groups there are several different sub-types of lymphoma, and your treatment will depend upon the diagnosis.