Lymphoma cancer Types
Lymphoma cancer is broadly classified into two types: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Depending on the types of lymphocytes involved, these two types are further divided into many sub-types. Each type of cancer has different types of cells involved and require different treatment. Reed-Sternberg cells are large cancerous cells involved in Hodgkin’s lymphoma, whereas non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not have these cells. Hodgkin’s lymphoma was named after a scientist Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, who discovered the cells involved in cancer in the 1800s.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma cancer. It’s further divided into many types depending on the types of cells involved and the rate of growth. Most commonly, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs in B and T lymphocytes. Subtypes of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
Burkitt’s lymphoma
Burkitt’s lymphoma is a rare but very destructive type of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Burkitt’s lymphoma is common among the people who have a weak immune system. It mostly occurs among the children, particularly of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Burkitt’s lymphoma has three subtypes depending on the part and location of the body this cancer affects. The subtypes of Burkitt’s lymphoma are the following:
- Immunodeficiency-related lymphoma: The patients of HIV, organ transplant and those having a compromised immune system are at more risk of developing this cancer.
- Endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma: Individuals with chronic malaria and Epstein-Barr virus have more risk of developing Endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma. This cancer is also common in the regions of Africa. Endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma mostly affects the breast, ovaries, kidneys, small intestine, jaws, and facial bones.
- Sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma: This type of cancer can develop in many parts of the world, but it is most prevalent in African individuals. Sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma mostly occurs in the parts of the small and large intestine.