|  | Lymphomas are cancers that affect the lymphatic tissues. This is a system of interconnecting vessels and nodes (glands) that collect and transport lymph (the yellowy, watery liquid that can ooze from wounds such as blisters). Lymph bathes all the tissues in the body as part of our circulatory system. The second but equally important function of the lymphatic system is to house some types of white blood cell, called lymphocytes. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and are very important in helping our bodies to fight infection, especially viruses.
Lymphocytes can be classified as either T-cells or B-cells. They have different roles to play within our immune system but also signal to each other using chemicals to work as part of a team.
Lymphoma can be indolent or aggressive. These terms refer to the speed at which the lymphoma develops. An aggressive disease advances more rapidly than an indolent disease.
 Reed-Sternberg cells under the microscope | | Hodgkins lymphoma can be identified by the presence of a unique kind of cell in the lymph node. These cells are called Reed-Sternberg cells.
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is diagnosed when there are cancerous cells in the lymph node, but no reed-sternberg cells. There are several different types of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, each having a different prognosis. Scientists look at where the cancerous cells are in the lymph node sample and what type of cell they are in order to decide what sub-type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma a person has. |
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