Lymphoma is a complex cancer of the lymphatic system with a variety of types and characteristics.

What are the main types of Lymphoma?

Lymphomas are primarily divided into two main categories: Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). Each type has distinct characteristics and subtypes that affect treatment and prognosis.

• Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, a type of abnormal B lymphocyte.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A diverse group of lymphomas, not characterized by Reed-Sternberg cells, and represents about 90% of diagnosed lymphoma cases.

How do they differ?

Pathogenesis and Diagnosis:

Subtypes and Clinical Features:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma:
  • Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (most common, four subtypes: nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte rich, and lymphocyte depleted)
  • Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (rare, favorable prognosis)
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma:
  • Many subtypes categorized into B-cell (e.g., follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) and T-cell types (e.g., mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma).

Treatment Approaches:

Both types of lymphoma may require different management plans:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: Typically treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination. Bone marrow transplant may be considered in recurrent cases.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Treatment is more varied based on the specific subtype and may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes bone marrow transplantation.

Prognosis:

Survival rates and prognosis differ significantly depending on the type and stage of lymphoma:

Description in Simplified Mind Map Format:

• Lymphomas
  • Hodgkin Lymphoma
    • Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells
    • Treatment: Chemotherapy, Radiation
    • Higher survival rates
    • Younger onset
  • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
    • No Reed-Sternberg cells
    • Varied treatment based on subtype
    • Survival rates vary
    • Typically older onset

In summary, lymphomas are a group of cancers that affect the lymphatic system with Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin types differing in cellular characteristics, presentation, treatment strategies, and prognosis. These differences are crucial for tailoring both diagnosis and treatment according to specific patient needs and lymphoma type.