It is serious and fatal, often within a year. NHL is usually associated with long-term HIV disease and low CD4 counts. Combination antiviral therapy has significantly reduced the rates of most opportunistic infections. These symptoms occur with several AIDS-related illnesses. NHL is usually diagnosed based on imaging techniques or biopsies.
Biopsies involve microscopic examination of cells from lymph nodes or other affected tissues.
The stage indicates how much the cancer has spread. Stage I means limited involvement in one place. Stage IV means major involvement at multiple sites. The classification is based on the cells found in the tumor. NHL is caused by long-term stimulation of the immune system.