Lymphatic vessels carry lymph , a colorless, watery fluid that contains infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes . Along this network of vessels are small organs called lymph nodes . Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin , neck, chest, and abdomen . Other parts of the lymphatic system are the spleen , thymus , tonsils , and bone marrow . Lymphatic tissue is also found in other parts of the body, including the stomach, intestines, and skin.
Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life.
To understand Hodgkin's disease, it is helpful to know about normal cells and what happens when they become cancerous. The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells only when the body needs them. This orderly process helps keep the body healthy. Sometimes cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed, creating a mass of extra tissue.