Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma commonly known as NHL is cancer of the cells of the affecting the lymphatic system. In this disease, cells in the lymphatic system either divide and grow without order or control, or old cells do not die as cells normally do. This can get affected to any part of the body. It may occur in a single lymph node, a group of lymph nodes, or an organ such as the spleen and can spread to almost any part of the body, including the liver, bone marrow, and spleen.
 
 

Lymphoma cells replace the normal cells in the bone marrow causing bleeding problems and infections. With the spreading of lymphoma cells, the body produce less blood cell that carry oxygen to other tissues or to protect itself from infection.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is different from Hodgkin’s lymphoma and may occur about 8 times more often.

There do exist different types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In most cases, they are grouped by the appearance of cancer cells under a microscope and the fastness by which they spread. Aggressive lymphomas, also known as intermediate- and high-grade lymphomas, grow fast and spread quickly causing severe symptoms.

Non aggressive lymphomas, also called as indolent or low-grade lymphomas, grow slowly causing fewer symptoms early in the disease course.
The cause of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not known. The abnormal growth of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is triggered by an infection or exposure to something in the environment. It is not contagious and is more common in men than in women.
The swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin are the most common symptom of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This disease is treated depending on the type of lymphoma, the stage of the disease, the grade of the disease, and your age and general health. Watchful waiting, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy are the treatment options available for this.

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