Progressive Management - 21st Century Adult Cancer Sourcebook: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) including Burkitt Lymphoma and Others--Clinical Data for Patients, Families, and Physicians

21st Century Adult Cancer Sourcebook:Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) including Burkitt LymphomaandOthers- Clinical Data for Patients, Families, andPhysicians

Edition 1.0 - October 2011

National Cancer Institute

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Copyright 2011 Progressive Management

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CONTENTS

PART ONE

PART TWO

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PART ONE

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AdultNon-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

Patient Version

Last Modified: 07/22/2011

Definition of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Any of alarge group of cancers of lymphocytes (white blood cells).Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur at any age and are often marked bylymph nodes that are larger than normal, fever, and weight loss.There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These typescan be divided into aggressive (fast-growing) and indolent(slow-growing) types, and they can be formed from either B-cells orT-cells. B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include Burkitt lymphoma,chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL),diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, immunoblasticlarge cell lymphoma, precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and mantlecell lymphoma. T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include mycosisfungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and precursorT-lymphoblastic lymphoma. Lymphomas that occur after bone marrow orstem cell transplantation are usually B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas.Prognosis and treatment depend on the stage and type of disease.Also called NHL.

Estimated new cases and deaths fromnon-Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States in 2011:

New cases: 66,360

Deaths: 19,320

General Information About Adult Non-HodgkinLymphoma

Key Points for This Section

* Adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a disease inwhich malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system.

* There are many different types oflymphoma.

* Age, gender, and a weakened immune systemcan affect the risk of developing adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

* Possible signs of adult non-Hodgkinlymphoma include fever, sweating, fatigue, and weight loss.

* Tests that examine the body and lymphsystem are used to help detect (find) and diagnose adultnon-Hodgkin lymphoma.

* Certain factors affect prognosis (chanceof recovery) and treatment options.

Adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a disease inwhich malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system.

The lymph system is part of the immunesystem and is made up of the following:

* Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid thattravels through the lymph system and carries white blood cellscalled lymphocytes. Lymphocytes protect the body against infectionsand the growth of tumors.

* Lymph vessels: A network of thin tubesthat collect lymph from different parts of the body and return itto the bloodstream.

* Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structuresthat filter lymph and store white blood cells that help fightinfection and disease. Lymph nodes are located along the network oflymph vessels found throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodesare found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen, and groin.

* Spleen: An organ that makes lymphocytes,filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old bloodcells. It is on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.

* Thymus: An organ in which lymphocytes growand multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone.

* Tonsils: Two small masses of lymph tissueat the back of the throat. The tonsils make lymphocytes.

* Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inthe center of large bones. Bone marrow makes white blood cells, redblood cells, and platelets.

Anatomy of the lymph system, showing thelymph vessels and lymph organs including lymph nodes, tonsils,thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. Lymph (clear fluid) andlymphocytes travel through the lymph vessels and into the lymphnodes where the lymphocytes destroy harmful substances. The lymphenters the blood through a large vein near the heart.

Because lymph tissue is found throughout thebody, adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma can begin in almost any part ofthe body. Cancer can spread to the liver and many other organs andtissues.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in pregnant women isthe same as the disease in nonpregnant women of childbearing age.However, treatment is different for pregnant women. This summaryincludes information on the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphomaduring pregnancy

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can occur in bothadults and children. Treatment for children, however, is differentthan treatment for adults. (See the PDQ summary on ChildhoodNon-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment 1 for more information.)

There are many different types oflymphoma.

Lymphomas are divided into two generaltypes: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This summary isabout the treatment of adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Age, gender, and a weakened immune systemcan affect the risk of developing adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Anything that increases your risk of gettinga disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does notmean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesnt meanthat you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at riskshould discuss this with their doctor. Risk factors for adultnon-Hodgkin lymphoma include the following: