Lymphoma is a cancer which develops when a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte grows abnormally.
Lymphocytes help fight infection as part of the immune system and are carried round the body in the lymphatic system. This is a complex system made up of the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes throughout the body. The lymph nodes are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels.
Lymph nodes are also known as lymph glands, and the ones that you’re most likely to notice are those in the neck, armpit and groin. The number of lymph nodes varies from one part of the body to another.
The lymphatic system: A network of tissues and organs that help protect us from infection and disease.
There are two types of lymphoma depending on which type of lymphocyte is affected. Although these are both types of lymphoma, there are differences between them, which means they need different treatment.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer. About 80 children of all ages develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in the UK each year. It is more common in boys than girls.
Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system. It can affect children at any age but is more common in older teenagers and young adults. Each year in the UK, around 70 children aged 0-14 years are diagnosed with Hodgkin…
This information is about lymphoma in children (age 0-14 years).
Find out about lymphoma in teenagers and young adults (15-24 years)