It may seem like a strange way to name an illness, but non-Hodgkin lymphoma simply means any lymphoma that is not Hodgkin lymphoma.
Around 9500 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are diagnosed each year in the UK. It is more common in those aged over 55, and is one of the most common cancers in those aged 75 and over.
There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some types grow very slowly and others grow very quickly.
High grade or aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is called high grade when the cells appear to be dividing quite quickly. They are also called aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some types of high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma will grow faster than others.
The most common high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Other high grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas include:
- Burkitt's lymphoma
- lymphoblastic lymphoma
- peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
High grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas are more common in people aged over 50, but they can occur at any age. Although the term 'high grade' may sound alarming, these diseases can respond very well to treatment. High grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be cured in many cases.
Low grade or indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is called low grade when the cells appear to be dividing slowly. This means that low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma can take a long time to develop. They are also called indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
Common low grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas include:
- follicular lymphoma
- small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
- lymphoplasmocytoid lymphoma
- MALT lymphoma.
Early stage low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma - Stage 1 or 2 - can be cured in some cases.
Most people have advanced low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma by the time they are diagnosed. Advanced low grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas - Stage 3 or 4 - are more difficult to cure completely. They behave in a chronic way, sometimes active, and sometimes not. Doctors aim to control advanced low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma rather than cure it.
People with low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma can often go for long periods when they feel well and don't need treatment.
You can download our low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma booklet by clicking here
You can download our high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma booklet by clicking here
