Types of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL)
Non-Hodgkins lymphomas are broadly classified depending on the type of lymphocyte affected (B - or T cell) and on the rate of progress - low grade, if they grow slowly and high grade, if they grow fast.
Categorizing the Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) into various types is only possible by studying the affected cells under a microscope. Observing their growth pattern also provides clues for their classification.
NHL is classified into thirty different types. The classification system is complicated hence, only the prominent and common types of NHL are mentioned below:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: This type of lymphoma is more common among the elderly and accounts for 3 out of 10 cases of lymphoma. In this condition, the cells are large, and the disease often progresses quickly. Nearly half of the individuals affected with this type of lymphoma can be cured by treatment.
- Â Follicular lymphoma: This slow- moving type of cancer constitutes about 14% of lymphomas. This lymphoma too is more common among the older people. The cells tend to grow in a circular pattern within the lymph nodes. Despite the disease being non-curable, the affected individuals may survive for a long time. After a period of 5 years, 6 - 7 out of every 10 affected people will still be alive. Eventually this cancer may transform into the diffuse large B-cell type.
These two categories together account for almost 50% of the lymphoma cases. The remaining is made up of a tremendous array of other types of lymphomas. The management of this type of cancer is dependent on the type.
