Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system (which is responsible for fighting diseases) of your body. It causes cells to grow abnormally and form tumours from the small white blood cells of the body. There are several types of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma based on which cells they originate in and how quickly they spread.

B cell lymphoma: this starts in the B cells which are responsible for producing antibodies to fight infection. This is the most common form of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
T cell lymphoma: this starts in the T cells which are responsible for killing foreign bodies.

There is no clear consensus on what causes this cancer. It develops when your lymphocytes instead of dying (and being replaced by new ones), continue to grow and divide into more lymphocytes. It is also more common than Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The following factors have been linked with the development of Non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma, though some of these are still under study:

Increasing age
Males are more liable to develop Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Contraction of certain viruses and bacteria
Immune system deficiency
Interaction with certain chemicals such as insecticides or pesticides
If you’ve had an organ transplant

When to seek expert advise

If you find any of the signs and symptoms associated with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, consult your family doctor. Based on the diagnosis, he/she may refer you to a specialist. Alternatively, you can consult the staff of the Department of Oncology at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

Disclaimer

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.