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What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a diverse group of cancers that originate in the lymphocytes (white blood cells) and typically start in the lymph nodes. Unlike its counterpart, it is not characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

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What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a diverse group of cancers that originate in the lymphocytes (white blood cells) and typically start in the lymph nodes. Unlike its counterpart, it is not characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

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Why is This Cancer Diverse?

This cancer is diverse because it has many subtypes, which are classified by the specific type of lymphocyte (B-cell or T-cell) affected and by how quickly the cancer grows (indolent/slow or aggressive/fast).

Main Symptoms of Lymphatic Swelling

Painless lymph node enlargement appears in the neck, armpits, or groin and can wax and wane. Persistent fever, night sweats, and unplanned weight loss suggest systemic activity. Fatigue and itching may accompany node changes. Chest pressure, cough, or abdominal fullness arise when nodes enlarge in those areas. Diagnosis relies on biopsy to define the subtype and guide treatment.

Diagnostic Procedures

Diagnosis requires a biopsy of the swollen lymph node to identify the cancerous cells and determine the specific subtype. Imaging scans (CT and PET) are used to stage the cancer's spread throughout the body.

How Does This Condition Impact Vision or Eye Health?

This lymphoma frequently impacts eye health by growing in the tissue surrounding the eye (ocular adnexa). Tumors can accumulate in the orbit, causing proptosis (bulging of the eye), double vision, swelling, or pain. The disease can also affect the retina.

Treatment Protocol

Treatment protocols vary widely based on the subtype. Indolent lymphomas may be managed with watchful waiting. Aggressive types require immediate, intensive treatment, often involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drug therapy.

FAQs on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Is NHL curable?

Many subtypes are highly curable, while others require long-term management to control the disease.

Is it the same as Hodgkin?

No, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma lacks the unique Reed-Sternberg cells found in Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Does this cancer affect children?

Yes, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers affecting children and adolescents.

When to See Your Doctor

See a doctor for painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck or armpit. NHL can sometimes present as a "Primary Intraocular Lymphoma," causing blurred vision or floaters that don't go away. This requires a biopsy of the vitreous fluid inside the eye for diagnosis.

References

National Cancer Institute. NHL Treatment (cancer.gov). 2025.

American Cancer Society. NHL Overview (cancer.org). 2025.

Mayo Clinic. NHL Symptoms (mayoclinic.org). 2024.

StatPearls. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2025.