Lymphoma is a kind of blood cancer that begins in lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and helps fight infection.

This system transports fluids and blood cells throughout the body via thin tubes (lymphatic vessels), tissues and organs. It includes the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils and appendix. People with lymphoma often have the disease in more than one area of the body. They commonly have enlarged lymph nodes because of a buildup of abnormal (malignant) lymphocytes.

There are two main types of lymphoma, depending on the type of lymphocytes affected:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

It’s important to know which type of lymphoma you have because they are treated differently. A hematologist-oncologist (an expert in blood cancers) can accurately diagnose lymphoma and recommend lymphoma treatments.

The symptoms of lymphoma vary, depending on the type and how advanced it is. Many of the symptoms are similar to the signs of other illnesses:

• Fatigue (extreme tiredness) or weakness
• Cough
• Fever
• Itchiness
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating, especially at night
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
• Weight loss for no apparent reason

Scientists don’t fully understand what causes lymphoma. But risk factors include:

• Age: Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in young adults, but it can also be diagnosed in older adults. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in older adults.
• Exposure to radiation or chemicals: People who have been exposed to high levels of radiation or chemicals (such as herbicides and pesticides) may have a higher risk.
• Genetics: In rare cases, a family may experience a cluster of blood cancers, including lymphomas. But in general, lymphomas are not inherited the way some other cancers may be.
• Viral infection: People who have some chronic viral infections are at higher risk for developing lymphoma. Examples include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus and Epstein-Barr virus.
• Immunosuppression: People on long-term medications that suppress the immune system are at higher risk of lymphoma. These include medications given after organ transplantation and drugs to treat autoimmune disorders or HIV.

Penn hematologists are pioneers in the latest treatments for blood cancers. They lead the field with cutting-edge research and treatment of lymphoma. When you choose us to diagnose and treat lymphoma, you’ll find:

• A nationally recognized program: Penn is one of a few hematologic malignancy research programs in the country approved and funded by the National Cancer Institute.
• Expertise in each type of blood cancer: Our physicians are fellowship-trained hematologists (blood cancer experts) who specialize in lymphoma. We have an expert for your individual needs. Our lymphoma team leads the field, setting international lymphoma guidelines and teaching other hematologists about the latest advances in lymphoma treatments.
• Support through the cancer journey: We support our patients and families throughout the lymphoma journey, with more than just medical care. Your team will include hematologists, nurses who specialize in lymphoma, nurse navigators, pharmacists, nutritionists, support group and financial counselors.
• Every treatment option: We offer every type of effective treatment for lymphoma. Options range from longstanding, traditional options to cutting-edge immunotherapy and CAR T cell therapy.
• Cutting-edge research: Penn is a pioneer in research to find new treatments for lymphoma. Our patients have access to many clinical trials of the latest, most promising treatment options.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial to determining the most effective treatments. Our team has every advanced tool for precise lymphoma diagnosis. We also have the expertise to interpret the complex results and what they mean for you. Understanding the biology of lymphoma using sophisticated techniques such as DNA sequencing allows us to better tailor your treatment.

Penn also offers every effective option to treat lymphoma, including traditionally effective treatments, the newest advances and bloodless procedures.