Lymphoma refers to cancers that involve a type of white blood cell.
Cells called B-lymphocytes multiply rapidly and form tumors. In 1985, the Centers for Disease Control added NHL to the list of diseases that define AIDS in people with HIV infection. It is serious and fatal, often within a year. NHL is usually associated with long-term HIV disease and low CD4 counts but can occur even with a high CD4 count. Combination antiviral therapy has significantly reduced the rates of most opportunistic infections.