There are many different types of lymphoma. Advanced diagnostic techniques are necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida uses the latest diagnostic methods to precisely confirm the type and stage of lymphoma so you receive the right treatment for your condition. Our techniques can identify even the rarest types of lymphoma.
At Miami Cancer Institute, you will receive innovative care. A multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists works together to develop a treatment plan just for you. This level of attention is important for delivering complete care that includes new methods when appropriate.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. It typically occurs in the lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissue.
The condition happens when the genetic information (DNA) that controls lymphocyte production changes so that it no longer works correctly. This causes the body to produce dysfunctional lymphocytes that grow uncontrollably
What are the types of lymphoma?
There are over 70 different types of lymphoma that are organized into two groups:
- Hodgkin’s disease. This type of lymphoma is not common and mostly affects young adults. It involves large cancer cells called Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells. There are two main subtypes of Hodgkin’s disease: classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is further broken down into four sub-subtypes: nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich and lymphocyte-depleted.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This type of lymphoma is more common and mostly affects older adults. It is organized into two groups: B-cell lymphomas and T-cell lymphomas. Types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma
- Burkitt’s lymphoma
- Follicular lymphoma
- Marginal zone lymphoma
- Mantle cell lymphoma
- Small lymphocytic lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL)
- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
- Angioimmunoblastic lymphoma
- Peripheral T-cell lymphoma
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Lymphoma types also differ by their rate of development – some types progress slowly while others grow quickly.
What are the risk factors for lymphoma?
Though doctors do not yet know what causes lymphoma, one possible risk factor is a weak immune system. Reasons why your immune system can become weak include:
- Using immunosuppressants after an organ transplant.
- Having an autoimmune disease.
- Being exposed to infections like HIV, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C or the human T-cell leukemia/lymphotropic virus.
What can you do to prevent lymphoma?
We do not know yet if there is a way to prevent lymphoma. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to protect your immune system and avoid infection could possibly lower your risk, but more research is needed in this area.