Lymphoma: Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University : Feinberg School of Medicine
Source: https://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/types-of-cancer/lymphoma/index.html
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Lymphoma: Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University : Feinberg School of Medicine
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Lymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system. The lymph system is part of the immune system, which helps the body fight infection and disease. Because lymph tissue is found all through the body, lymphoma can begin almost anywhere.
The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). These can occur in both children and adults.
Most people with Hodgkin lymphoma have the classic type. With this type, there are large, abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the lymph nodes called Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured.
There are many different types of NHL that form from different types of white blood cells (B-cells, T-cells, NK cells). Most types of NHL form from B-cells. NHL may be indolent (slow-growing) or aggressive (fast-growing). The most common types of NHL in adults are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which is usually aggressive, and follicular lymphoma, which is usually indolent.
Mycosis fungoides and the Sézary syndrome are types of NHL that start in white blood cells in the skin. Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare type of NHL that starts in white blood cells in the brain, spinal cord or eye.
The treatment and the chance of a cure depend on the stage and the type of lymphoma. Browse the types to the right to learn more. We also treat Burkitt lymphoma, cutaneous t-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Primary CNS lymphoma
Our Experts
Our experts work together in a multidisciplinary team (including dedicated, talented nursing staff and Lurie Cancer Center’s
Supportive Oncology Team
) to help create a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan and provide you with exceptional support. Get to know our physicians and the many other experts who will play an important role in your care.
meet the experts
Clinical Trials
Patients at the Lurie Cancer Center have access to a wide variety of clinical trials designed to explore promising new treatments. If you're interested in participating, browse our current trials to find options that may be relevant to your diagnosis—and help advance the future of cancer care.
find related clinical trials
Patient Support
We offer a number of services to help patients and their families cope with the challenges of cancer treatment.
Meet our support team
Join a support group
Browse our upcoming events
see all our support services
Featured Programs
Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic
Our clinic doctors are experts in the latest diagnostic techniques and in cutting-edge therapies for treating cutaneous lymphomas. Therapy plans are tailored to each patient.
learn more
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Program
Our Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Program is the leader in volume and types of transplants, averaging over 250 transplantations per year, resulting in survival rates consistently exceeding the national survival rate.
Stem cell transplants are regularly used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, such as large b-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and cutaneous t-cell lymphoma.
Find out more
Car T-Cell Therapy Program
Chimeric antigen receptor, or CAR T-cell therapy, uses a patient’s own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Lurie Cancer Center is a leader in advancing this highly specialized form of immunotherapy through FDA-approved CAR T-cell treatments and cutting-edge clinical trials.
Find out more
Lymphoma News
CAR T-cell Therapy Improves Survival in Relapsed or Refractory Lymphoma
Strengthening T-Cell Therapy for Solid Tumor Cancers with Jaehyuk Choi, MD, PhD
Celebrating Scientific Discovery and Collaboration at Research Day 2025
Understanding Cellular Differences that Impact Lymphoma Development
Targeting Tumor Metabolism to Trigger Cancer Cell Death
Your support takes our research further.
Donate & Volunteer
Back to top
Skip to main content
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system. The lymph system is part of the immune system, which helps the body fight infection and disease. Because lymph tissue is found all through the body, lymphoma can begin almost anywhere.
The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). These can occur in both children and adults.
Most people with Hodgkin lymphoma have the classic type. With this type, there are large, abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the lymph nodes called Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured.
There are many different types of NHL that form from different types of white blood cells (B-cells, T-cells, NK cells). Most types of NHL form from B-cells. NHL may be indolent (slow-growing) or aggressive (fast-growing). The most common types of NHL in adults are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which is usually aggressive, and follicular lymphoma, which is usually indolent.
Mycosis fungoides and the Sézary syndrome are types of NHL that start in white blood cells in the skin. Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare type of NHL that starts in white blood cells in the brain, spinal cord or eye.
The treatment and the chance of a cure depend on the stage and the type of lymphoma. Browse the types to the right to learn more. We also treat Burkitt lymphoma, cutaneous t-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Primary CNS lymphoma
Our Experts
Our experts work together in a multidisciplinary team (including dedicated, talented nursing staff and Lurie Cancer Center’s
Supportive Oncology Team
) to help create a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan and provide you with exceptional support. Get to know our physicians and the many other experts who will play an important role in your care.
meet the experts
Clinical Trials
Patients at the Lurie Cancer Center have access to a wide variety of clinical trials designed to explore promising new treatments. If you're interested in participating, browse our current trials to find options that may be relevant to your diagnosis—and help advance the future of cancer care.
find related clinical trials
Patient Support
We offer a number of services to help patients and their families cope with the challenges of cancer treatment.
Meet our support team
Join a support group
Browse our upcoming events
see all our support services
Featured Programs
Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic
Our clinic doctors are experts in the latest diagnostic techniques and in cutting-edge therapies for treating cutaneous lymphomas. Therapy plans are tailored to each patient.
learn more
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Program
Our Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Program is the leader in volume and types of transplants, averaging over 250 transplantations per year, resulting in survival rates consistently exceeding the national survival rate.
Stem cell transplants are regularly used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, such as large b-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and cutaneous t-cell lymphoma.
Find out more
Car T-Cell Therapy Program
Chimeric antigen receptor, or CAR T-cell therapy, uses a patient’s own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Lurie Cancer Center is a leader in advancing this highly specialized form of immunotherapy through FDA-approved CAR T-cell treatments and cutting-edge clinical trials.
Find out more
Lymphoma News
CAR T-cell Therapy Improves Survival in Relapsed or Refractory Lymphoma
Strengthening T-Cell Therapy for Solid Tumor Cancers with Jaehyuk Choi, MD, PhD
Celebrating Scientific Discovery and Collaboration at Research Day 2025
Understanding Cellular Differences that Impact Lymphoma Development
Targeting Tumor Metabolism to Trigger Cancer Cell Death
Your support takes our research further.
Donate & Volunteer
Back to top