Information About Lymphomas

Lymphoma is a general term for cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. The lymph system includes nodes found in the neck, armpit, and groin. These nodes are only part of the lymph system, as they are connected to each other and to the spleen, thymus, and parts of the tonsils, stomach, and small intestine by a network of vessels.

The vessels carry a fluid called lymph, and it contains lymphocytes. Once a malignancy begins in one part of the lymph system, it often spreads throughout the rest of the body before it is detected.

The most common type of lymphoma is Hodgkin's disease. All other lymphomas are grouped together and known as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.