- Hodgkin lymphoma (also called as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, or Hodgkin’s disease)
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also called as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, NHL, or sometimes just lymphoma), which contains all other lymphomas, including all skin lymphomas
Lymphoid Tissue and Lymph System
Lymphoid tissue is found throughout the body and contains several types of immune system cells that work together to help the body fight infections. The lymph system (also known as the lymphatic system) is made up of lymphoid tissue, lymph vessels, and a clear fluid called lymph.
Lymphoid tissue
Most lymphocytes are in lymph nodes, which are small, bean-sized collections of immune cells throughout the body. Lymph nodes are connected to each other by narrow tubes similar to blood vessels called lymphatics (or lymph vessels). Lymph vessels carry a colorless, watery fluid (lymph) that contains lymphocytes. Along with the lymph nodes, collections of lymphocytes can be found in many other places in the body, including the:
- Adenoids and tonsils
- Bone marrow
- Digestive tract
- Skin
- Spleen
- Thymus
- Other organs
Lymphocytes
B lymphocytes: B cells normally help protect the body against germs (bacteria or viruses) by making proteins called antibodies. The antibodies attach to the germs and attract other immune system cells that then surround and digest the antibody-coated germs. Antibodies also attract certain blood proteins that can kill bacteria.
T lymphocytes: There are several types of T cells, each with a specialized job. Some T cells help protect the body against viruses, fungi, and some bacteria. For example, they recognize virus-infected cells and destroy them. T cells can also release substances called cytokines that attract other types of white blood cells, which then digest the infected cells. Some types of T cells help boost or slow the activity of other immune system cells.
Both types of lymphocytes can develop into lymphoma cells. Overall, B-cell lymphomas are much more common than T-cell lymphomas in the United States. In the skin, though, T-cell lymphomas are more common than B-cell lymphomas. Different types of lymphoma can develop from each type of lymphocyte.
This information is important because for each type of lymphoma, the cancer cells tend to resemble a particular type of normal lymphocyte at a certain stage of development. Figuring out the type of lymphoma a person has helps determine treatment options.