Disease Information

Leukemias / Lymphomas: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Alternate Names: NHL, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the group name for all types of lymphomas except Hodgkin lymphoma.

Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the body’s lymphatic system. This system transports white blood cells called lymphocytes through the body. Lymphocytes help the body to filter out dead cells and foreign organisms, such as bacteria. This helps the body fight off infection.

NHLs can arise in many sites including the lymph nodes, thymus gland, spleen and abdominal organs such as the bowel.

How common is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

What are the symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

How is non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated?

Combination chemotherapy is most often used to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Radiation therapy is rarely needed.

What are the survival rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Why choose St. Jude for your child’s non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment?

