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

  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the belly, neck, armpits, or groin
  • Fever that doesn’t go away 
  • Rash or itchy skin
  • Intense night sweats
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Pain in the chest, abdomen, or bones
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Bruising or bleeding easily
  • Frequent infections
  • Shortness of breath

For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society (Hodgkin’s, non-Hodgkin’s) or Cleveland Clinic.

Risk Factors

  • Weakened immune system from diseases
  • Family history of lymphoma
  • Certain infections or viruses
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Age
  • Exposure to lindane or specific chemicals
  • Previous cancer treatment
  • Breast implants

For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society (Hodgkin’s, non-Hodgkin’s), Mayo Clinic, or Cleveland Clinic.

Diagnosis

  • Physical exam
  • Blood tests (bone marrow or gland)
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Blood chemistry tests
  • Biopsy
  • Hepatitis B and C virus tests
  • HIV test
  • HTLV test
  • Imaging tests
  • PET scan
  • CT scan
  • MRI
  • Chest X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • Molecular test
  • Fluid exam
  • Lumbar puncture
  • Cell and tissue studies
  • Bone scan

For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society (Hodgkin’s, non-Hodgkin’s), Mayo Clinic, Cancer Council, or Cleveland Clinic.

Treatment

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Stem cell transplant
  • Surgery
  • Watchful waiting
  • CAR-T cell therapy

For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society (Hodgkin’s, Non-Hodgkin’s), Mayo Clinic, or 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 https://www.lymphoma.ca/ 
  • 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 https://lymphomacoalition.org/ 
  • 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 https://www.bloodcancers.ca/