Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors arising in the reticuloendothelial and lymphatic systems. The major types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL—see Table 1: Lymphomas: Comparison of Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma).

Table 1
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Comparison of Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Feature Hodgkin Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Nodal involvement Localized to a specific group of nodes Usually disseminated among > 1 nodal group Spread Tends to spread in an orderly, contiguous fashion Spreads noncontiguously Effect on Waldeyer ring and mesenteric lymph nodes Usually does not affect Commonly affects mesenteric nodes May affect Waldeyer ring Extranodal involvement Infrequent Frequent Stage at diagnosis Usually early Usually advanced Histologic classification in children Usually one with a favorable prognosis Usually high grade

Lymphomas were once thought to be absolutely distinct from leukemias. However, better understanding of cell markers and tools with which to evaluate those markers now show that the distinction between these 2 cancers is often vague. The notion that lymphoma is relatively restricted to the lymphatic system and leukemias to the bone marrow, at least in early stages, is also not always true.

Last full review/revision October 2012 by Carol S. Portlock, MD