Lymphomas include a group of cancers that originate from lymphocytes, a type of cell found in the lymphatic system (lymph nodes), which is present throughout the body.
From the lymph nodes, the disease can spread through the blood and/or lymphatic vessels to other lymph nodes or organs, both lymphatic (such as bone marrow and spleen) and extra-lymphatic (such as skin, lungs, central nervous system, stomach, and liver).
Although lymphocytes are formed and mature in lymphatic organs, their normal function is to circulate in the blood and throughout the body to identify and eliminate foreign antigens. Cancerous lymphocytes retain this ability to circulate, which is why lymphomas are often widespread throughout the body from the early stages, even far from their site of origin.
People may experience different symptoms depending on age and the type of lymphoma, and these factors also contribute to determining the prognosis of the disease.
Lymphomas are generally classified into two main categories:
• Hodgkin’s lymphomas (HL)
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL)
Since 1975, the incidence of lymphomas has unfortunately been steadily increasing in both men and women. They occur more frequently in males and in individuals aged 60–80, with the exception of Hodgkin lymphoma, which more commonly affects young people between 15 and 35 years old.
A positive trend, however, is the reduction in mortality—particularly since 1995—thanks to advances in scientific research, which have led to effective treatment options for many types of lymphoma.
Attention: even if the information provided has been verified by the Foundation’s doctors, every decision and therapy must be individualized and monitored for each patient by the attending physician. We ask you to always refer to your doctor because the information offered cannot be replaced, in any way, by doctor / patient relationship.