NonHodgkins

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a broad category of lymphoid cancers that arise from B cells, T cells, or natural killer (NK) cells, excluding Hodgkin lymphoma. NHL can involve lymph nodes or occur in extranodal sites such as the stomach, intestine, skin, or brain. The disease encompasses many subtypes with varying behavior, from slow-growing (indolent) to fast-growing (aggressive). B-cell lymphomas account for the majority of cases; T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas are less common and often more aggressive.

Classification follows the World Health Organization system, grouping lymphomas by cell lineage and molecular characteristics. Common subtypes include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphomas. Aggressive forms like DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma require prompt treatment, while some indolent forms may be observed initially or treated to control symptoms.

Symptoms commonly include painless swelling of lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Depending on sites involved, individuals may experience abdominal pain, chest symptoms, or skin changes. Risk factors include older age, immune suppression (such as HIV infection or organ transplantation), autoimmune diseases, certain infections (for example Helicobacter pylori or Epstein-Barr virus), and a family history of lymphoma.

Diagnosis relies on tissue biopsy with histology and immunophenotyping, supported by imaging such as CT or PET-CT. Staging uses the Ann Arbor system. Treatment is tailored to subtype and stage and may include watchful waiting for asymptomatic indolent disease; immunochemotherapy regimens (for example, those containing rituximab); targeted therapies; radiation therapy; stem cell transplantation; and, in some relapsed cases, cellular therapies such as CAR T-cell therapy.

Prognosis varies widely by subtype and stage; many aggressive NHLs are potentially curable, while some indolent forms may be chronic.