Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) from Benzene Exposure

What is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or NHL) is a cancer of lymphoid tissue, a part of the lymphatic system. It is sometimes just called lymphoma.

The major tissue in the lymphatic system is the lymph node. Lymph nodes make and store lymphocytes, the white blood cells responsible for immunity or your defense against infections or other foreign invaders. They are connected throughout the body by narrow tubes similar to blood vessels called "lymphatics" or lymph vessels. These lymph vessels carry a colorless, watery fluid (lymphatic fluid) that contains lymphocytes. Eventually the lymphatic fluid is emptied into a major blood vessel in the left upper chest.

Other types of cancer – lung or colon cancers, for example – can develop in these various organs and spread to lymphoid tissue. But cancers that start in another tissue, such as lung or breast or colon, spread to the lymph nodes are not lymphomas. Lymphomas first start from errors that occur in the DNA of lymphocytes in either the lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissue (such as the spleen or bone marrow) and spread from there.

There are 2 main types of lymphomas. Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, or Hodgkin's disease) is named after Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, who first described it as a new disease in 1832. All other types of lymphoma are called non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

These 2 types of lymphoma can usually be distinguished from each other by examining the cancerous tissue under a microscope. In some cases, more tests to identify specific chemical components of the lymphoma cells may be needed.

Lymphoid Tissue

Lymphoid tissue is formed by several types of immune system cells that work together mainly to resist infections. Lymphoid tissue is found in many places throughout the body. These are described below.

The main cell type found in lymphoid tissue is the lymphocyte. The 2 main types of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells). Although both types can develop into lymphoma cells, B-cell lymphomas are much more common than T-cell lymphomas. In the United States, 85% of all cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma come from B lymphocytes (B-cell) and 15% from T lymphocytes (T-cell).

Normal T cells and B cells do different jobs within the immune system.

B cells normally help protect the body against germs (bacteria or viruses) by producing proteins called antibodies. The antibodies attach to the bacteria or viruses and attract other immune system cells, as well as other kinds of white blood cells that surround and digest the antibody-coated germs. Antibodies also attract certain blood proteins that can kill bacteria.

There are several types of T cells, each with a specialized job. Some normal T cells help protect the body against viruses, fungi, and some bacteria. They recognize specific substances found in virus-infected cells and destroy these cells. T cells can also release substances called cytokines that attract certain other types of white blood cells, which then digest the infected cells. T cells are also thought to destroy some types of cancer cells, as well as the cells of transplanted organs. Some types of T cells play a role in stimulating or inhibiting the activity of other immune system cells.

Normal B cells and T cells can be recognized by laboratory tests that identify certain distinctive substances on their surfaces. Certain substances are found only on B cells, and others are found only on T cells.

There are also several stages of B-cell and T-cell development (or maturation) that can be recognized by these laboratory tests.

This information on types of lymphocytes is helpful because each type of lymphoma tends to resemble a particular subtype of normal lymphocytes at a certain level of development. Determining the type of lymphoma a person has is the first step in considering treatment options.

Organs That Contain Lymphoid Tissue

Because lymphatic tissue is found in many parts of the body, lymphomas can start almost anywhere. The major sites of lymphatic tissue are listed below.

Lymph nodes are bean-sized organs located throughout the body and connected by a system of lymphatic vessels. These vessels are like veins, except that instead of carrying blood, they carry lymph (a clear fluid containing waste products and excess fluid from tissues) and immune system cells traveling to lymph nodes from other tissues.

Lymph nodes increase in size when they fight an infection. Lymph nodes that grow in reaction to infection are called reactive nodes or hyperplastic nodes and are often tender to the touch. An enlarged lymph node is not usually serious. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are often felt in people with sore throats or colds. But a large lymph node is also the most common sign of lymphoma.

The spleen is found under the lower part of the rib cage on the left side of the body. An average adult spleen weighs about 5 ounces. The spleen produces lymphocytes and other immune system cells to help fight infection. It stores healthy blood cells and filters out damaged blood cells, bacteria, and cell waste.

The thymus gland is deep in the tissues in front of the chest cavity at the base of the neck. Before birth, the thymus plays a vital role in development of T lymphocytes. The thymus gland's size (about 1 ounce) and function diminish over the first 20 years of life. Although its size and activity decline with age, the thymus continues to be active in immune system function throughout life.

Adenoids and tonsils are collections of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat. They produce antibodies against germs that are breathed in or swallowed. They are easy to see when they become enlarged during an infection or if they become cancerous.

The stomach and intestinal tract as well as many other organs also contain lymphatic tissue.

The bone marrow (the soft inner part of bones) produces red blood cells, blood platelets, and white blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Platelets plug up small holes in blood vessels caused by cuts or scrapes. White blood cells' main job is fighting infections. The two main types of white blood cells are granulocytes and lymphocytes. Bone marrow lymphocytes are primarily B-cells. Sometimes lymphomas start from bone marrow lymphocytes.

American Cancer Society

Benzene Lawsuits – Talk to a Benzene Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with any of the following leukemia's, then please contact us immediately:

• Aplastic Anemia (AA)
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

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