It has the third fastest growing cancer of the last 20 years. Some 71,200 Americans are estimated to suffer from the disease. But although cases are rising, the numbers of people dying from the disease is not increasing at the same rate due to more effective treatments.
Survival rates vary according to the type of cancer and how early the disease is detected.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system which embraces the bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes and tonsils. Lymph is a colourless, watery fluid which contains white blood cells which are important for fighting disease. It is carried in the lymph glands and vessels and the infection-fighting cells are stored in the lymph nodes in the neck, under the arms, in the groin area and the abdomen. When cancers spread they are carried in the lymphatic system. Lymphoma occurs when tumours build up in tissues found in areas such as the bone marrow or lymph glands.