Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the immune system – specifically, it is a cancer of immune cells called lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. There are two broad types of lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s) and many subtypes.

In non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, B-cells and T-cells are affected – both being types of lymphocyte white blood cell with special roles in immunity.

In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the Cancer cells are usually an abnormal type of B lymphocyte, named Reed-Sternberg cells. There are many subtypes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, typed by differences seen under the microscope – but a very high percentage of cases are classed as classic Hodgkin’s.

About this Cancer

Statistics

According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, in 2024, the projected estimates of new non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases among males is 6,600 and among females, it is 5,100. For Hodgkin lymphoma, the projected number of new cases among males is 650 and for females it is 530. Notably, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is projected to be the fifth most diagnosed cancer, representing 5% of new cancers among males and 4% among females. 

Source: Projected estimates of cancer in Canada in 2024 | CMAJ

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin region
  • Fever that doesn’t go away 
  • Intense night sweats
  • Consistent fatigue
  • Shortness of breath and difficulty getting enough air in your lungs
  • Losing weight without trying

For more information, visit the Cleveland Clinic.

Risk Factors

Risk factors may include:

  • Weakened immune/ autoimmune illness
  • Familial history of lymphoma
  • Certain infections or viruses

For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may include:

  • Physical exam
  • Blood tests (to test for viruses)
  • Biopsy
  • Lumbar puncture
  • MRI, CT & PET scans
  • Upper endoscopy to examine esophagus, stomach and first portion of the small intestine

For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

Treatment options may include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Stem cell transplant

For more information, visit Cleveland Clinic

Stories from Survivors

Stories from Other Groups

Resources

Latest Research

Lymphoma Cancer Groups

Canada

  • Lymphoma Canada: “Lymphoma affects many people, from patients, family, and caregivers, to medical professionals and researchers. connects and empowers this community. Together we are promoting early detection, finding new and better treatments, helping patients access those treatments, learning lymphoma’s causes, and finding a cure.” Visit them at Lymphoma Canada.
  • Lymphoma Coalition: “Lymphoma Coalition, a worldwide network of patient groups with a full or partial focus on providing support to patients with lymphoma, was formed in 2002 and incorporated as a not for profit organisation in 2010.” Visit them at Lymphoma Coalition. 
  • Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada: “In the 1950s, five women around a kitchen table decided to make a difference and started raising money for leukemia research, founding what is now known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.” Visit them at Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.