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Lymphoma is a malignant neoplasm of the lymphohematopoietic system caused by malignant transformation and clonal proliferation of lymphocytes (e.g., B cells, T cells). It commonly presents with lymphadenopathy and may involve extranodal lymphoid tissues and other organs throughout the body.
1. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
Defined by the presence of Reed–Sternberg cells. It is mainly divided into nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
A heterogeneous group with widely variable biology and clinical behavior, including common entities such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
3. B-cell lymphomas
Account for the majority of NHL. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype; others include follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.
4. T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas
Relatively uncommon but often more aggressive, including peripheral T-cell lymphoma and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type.
1. Immune dysfunction
Immune system abnormalities are established risk factors. Risk increases markedly in individuals with congenital immunodeficiency or those receiving immunosuppression after organ transplantation.
2. Infectious agents
Several pathogens are linked to lymphoma development. For example, Epstein–Barr virus is associated with some cases of Hodgkin lymphoma, and Helicobacter pylori is linked to gastric MALT lymphoma.
3. Genetic susceptibility
Familial aggregation can occur. Having a first-degree relative with lymphoma increases risk, and certain hereditary syndromes may increase susceptibility.
4. Environmental and lifestyle exposures
Long-term exposure to specific chemicals, ionizing radiation, and smoking may be associated with certain lymphoma subtypes.
1. Avoid modifiable risk exposures
Reduce unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals and ionizing radiation. Use appropriate occupational protection and minimize avoidable medical radiation.
2. Prevent and manage infections
Eradicate Helicobacter pylori when indicated and receive hepatitis B vaccination to reduce infection-associated lymphoma risk.
3. Maintain immune health
Support immune function through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.
4. Routine check-ups and self-awareness
Attend regular health examinations and monitor for lymph node enlargement, persistent fever, night sweats, or other concerning symptoms; seek medical evaluation promptly if abnormalities occur.
5. Healthy lifestyle
Maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, limit alcohol intake, eat a balanced diet, and keep a regular schedule to avoid chronic fatigue.
6. Psychological adjustment and support
Maintain constructive coping strategies and consider support groups or counseling to reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that lymphoma can be invasive and life-threatening, and early diagnosis with standardized treatment is essential. Multidisciplinary care and advances such as targeted therapy continue to improve outcomes. The public should recognize early warning signs, undergo regular check-ups, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
Lymphoma is a malignant neoplasm of the lymphohematopoietic system caused by malignant transformation and clonal proliferation of lymphocytes (e.g., B cells, T cells). It commonly presents with lymphadenopathy and may involve extranodal lymphoid tissues and other organs throughout the body.
1. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
Defined by the presence of Reed–Sternberg cells. It is mainly divided into nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
A heterogeneous group with widely variable biology and clinical behavior, including common entities such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
3. B-cell lymphomas
Account for the majority of NHL. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype; others include follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.
4. T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas
Relatively uncommon but often more aggressive, including peripheral T-cell lymphoma and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type.
1. Immune dysfunction
Immune system abnormalities are established risk factors. Risk increases markedly in individuals with congenital immunodeficiency or those receiving immunosuppression after organ transplantation.
2. Infectious agents
Several pathogens are linked to lymphoma development. For example, Epstein–Barr virus is associated with some cases of Hodgkin lymphoma, and Helicobacter pylori is linked to gastric MALT lymphoma.
3. Genetic susceptibility
Familial aggregation can occur. Having a first-degree relative with lymphoma increases risk, and certain hereditary syndromes may increase susceptibility.
4. Environmental and lifestyle exposures
Long-term exposure to specific chemicals, ionizing radiation, and smoking may be associated with certain lymphoma subtypes.
1. Avoid modifiable risk exposures
Reduce unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals and ionizing radiation. Use appropriate occupational protection and minimize avoidable medical radiation.
2. Prevent and manage infections
Eradicate Helicobacter pylori when indicated and receive hepatitis B vaccination to reduce infection-associated lymphoma risk.
3. Maintain immune health
Support immune function through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.
4. Routine check-ups and self-awareness
Attend regular health examinations and monitor for lymph node enlargement, persistent fever, night sweats, or other concerning symptoms; seek medical evaluation promptly if abnormalities occur.
5. Healthy lifestyle
Maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, limit alcohol intake, eat a balanced diet, and keep a regular schedule to avoid chronic fatigue.
6. Psychological adjustment and support
Maintain constructive coping strategies and consider support groups or counseling to reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that lymphoma can be invasive and life-threatening, and early diagnosis with standardized treatment is essential. Multidisciplinary care and advances such as targeted therapy continue to improve outcomes. The public should recognize early warning signs, undergo regular check-ups, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.