The most common lymphoma is non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which has 35 different subtypes. These variations help us to determine the best treatment for your exact case. There are aggressive (fast-growing) and low-grade or indolent lymphomas.
Aggressive lymphomas include:
- Burkitt’s lymphoma: This form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma starts in immune cells called B-cells. Burkitt lymphoma is the fastest growing human tumor. It is associated with impaired immunity and progresses rapidly if left untreated.
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBL): DLBL is a cancer of B cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. It is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among adults.
- Mantle cell lymphoma: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It often starts by enlarging lymph nodes. It spreads to other tissues such as the bone marrow, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.
- Lymphoblastic lymphoma: Lymphoblastic lymphoma is an aggressive but rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It usually develops from T-lymphocytes but occasionally from B-lymphocytes. Clinically, lymphoblastic lymphoma behaves like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), so they are treated in similar ways.
Low-grade or indolent lymphomas include:
- Follicular lymphoma: It develops when the body makes abnormal B-lymphocytes and builds up in lymph nodes.
- Marginal zone lymphoma: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is the most common form of marginal zone lymphoma. It occurs outside the lymph nodes
Other rare lymphomas:
- AIDS-Related Lymphoma: HIV disease creates an increased risk of developing infections, lymphoma, and other cancers. AIDS treatment and lymphoma treatment combined is the therapy.
- Primary CNS Lymphoma: Malignant cells in the lymph tissue of the brain and spinal cord. Primary CNS lymphoma may occur in people with AIDS and other disorders of the immune system or who have had a kidney transplant.
- Cutaneous Lymphoma: In this type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lymphocytes become malignant and affect the skin. Cutaneous lymphoma can be treated with topical preparations.
Leukemias closer to lymphoma and managed by a lymphoma specialist:
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL is more slow-growing than its acute variation. CLL in its later stages can produce cancer cells in the lymph nodes — a secondary disease called small lymphocytic lymphoma. Because of that, if you have CLL, you are managed by a lymphoma specialist.
- Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGL): This rare form of leukemia is chronic and slow-growing. It causes large granular lymphocytes to be created in the peripheral blood, especially neutrophils. This increases your risk of infection.
- Hairy Cell Leukemia: This rare leukemia is characterized by abnormal B-lymphocyte white blood cells in the bone marrow, spleen, and peripheral blood. Under a microscope, these cells look like they are covered with tiny hair-like projections.
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has recognized Sylvester for its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.
OnControl® bone marrow sampling device. Developed by one of our oncologists, this powered hand-held device provides for consistent bone marrow samples for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. This device obtains bone marrow samples in less than five minutes with less pain for an accurate diagnosis the first time.
All your care in one place. Many patients in our Adult Stem Cell Transplant Program come from other area hospitals. By having your blood disorder treated at Sylvester, stem cell transplant is available here, fully integrated with your cancer treatment if needed.
More cancer clinical trials than any other South Florida hospital. If appropriate for your cancer and stage, our clinical trials provide you with easy access to the very newest ways to treat and potentially cure your cancer.