Is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma a Cancer?
Yes, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the immune system. It affects a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte, which helps the body fight infection. NHL is the fifth most common form of cancer in the United States.
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections. They are made in the bone marrow and found in the blood and in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and organs that filters waste and other substances from the body.
NHL develops when a lymphocyte becomes abnormal and begins to grow and divide uncontrollably. This causes the lymphocytes to build up in certain parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, the spleen, and the liver. The buildup of abnormal cells can interfere with the body's ability to fight infection and can cause tumors to form.
NHL can affect people of any age, but it is most common in people over the age of 60. It's also more common in men than in women. NHL is divided into two main categories: aggressive NHL and indolent NHL. Aggressive NHL is fast-growing and more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Indolent NHL is slower-growing and less likely to spread.
The exact cause of NHL is not known. However, some risk factors have been identified, such as having a weakened immune system, a family history of the disease, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. Treatment for NHL depends on the type and stage of the disease, but it may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments.
In conclusion, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. It is more common in people over the age of 60 and in men than in women. The exact cause of NHL is not known, but certain risk factors have been identified. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease but may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments.