Non-hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a broad term covering more than 60 types of cancer that arise from lymphocytes, white blood cells in the lymphatic system. Unlike Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL has no single defining cell marker, so subtypes vary widely in how they grow, spread, and respond to treatment. Incidence rates have risen steadily over recent decades.
Key points
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma covers dozens of cancers of the lymphatic system’s white blood cells, each behaving and responding to treatment differently.
- Swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or lingering fatigue are reasons to have the condition assessed by a specialist.
- Slow-growing forms are sometimes simply monitored, whereas fast-growing subtypes usually call for prompt chemotherapy, with older agents like chlorambucil still used in indolent disease.
How NHL is treated
Treatment depends heavily on subtype, stage, and how fast the cancer is growing. Slow-growing (indolent) lymphomas are sometimes monitored without immediate treatment; aggressive forms usually require prompt chemotherapy. Alkylating agents such as chlorambucil have a long track record in indolent subtypes, particularly in older or frail patients where tolerability matters. More complex regimens are managed under oncology support protocols that combine multiple agents with supportive care. Seek specialist assessment as soon as enlarged lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or persistent fatigue arise.