Lymphoma is a type of blood (haematological) cancer which develops within the body’s immune system. Lymphoma may also be known as cancer of the lymphatic system.
As part of the body’s immune system, there is a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes which travel throughout your body via the lymphatic system carrying a liquid called lymph. Lymph passes through the glands (lymph nodes), to help your body fight infections.
Lymphoma Action have put together the below image which shows the lymphatic system running throughout the body (the lymph nodes and lymph vessels are shown in green):
Lymphoma develops when the lymphocytes grow and divide in an uncontrolled way and do not die, as healthy lymphocytes would. Therefore, the lymphocytes build up and form a lump within the immune system, typically within the lymph nodes which are in your neck, armpits and/or groin. The lymphocytes ability to fight infection, is also affected.
Lymphoma Action have put together the following video which explains lymphoma and how it develops (video courtesy of Lymphoma Action):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=6Z9sdEnwduQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Flymphoma-action.org.uk%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo
Once a sample (biopsy) is taken of the affected cells, the medical team can determine what type of lymphoma has developed.
For a further explanation, visit: Lymphoma Action | What is lymphoma? (lymphoma-action.org.uk)
