Lymphomas are cancers that develop when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) multiply and form tumors in the lymphatic system. They may also spread to other tissues.
There are two main types, called Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In Hodgkin’s, a particular type of cancer cell is present. All the other types are classed as non-Hodgkin’s.
Hodgkin’s most commonly affects those aged 15 to 35 or over 50.
The other lymphomas mainly occur in people over 60.
The cause is unknown, but they may run in families. They are also more common in those with reduced immunity, and may be triggered by certain infections