Cancers of the Immune System NHL is a collection of more than a dozen different cancers of the lymphatic system, which generates the body's immune defenses. These cells also cluster in areas that serve as gateways to the body, including the mucous membranes lining the respiratory and digestive tracts, and the skin. Lymphocytes travel in the bloodstream, as well. The lymphatic system also includes such organs as the spleen, thymus and tonsils. Because NHL can develop wherever in the body lymphocytes can be found, the cancer can crop up nearly anywhere.
Symptoms can vary widely, depending on the cancer site.
The most common symptom is a noticeable, usually painless swelling of a lymph node. If the brain is involved, patients may have headaches, vision changes, or seizures. If the bone marrow is affected, lymphoma cells may crowd out red blood cell precursors, causing anemia. Reddened patches on the skin can occur when lymphoma cells there prompt localized inflammation. Because NHL can foster a hyperactive immune response, it often causes symptoms that develop when the body is fighting an infection, such as fevers, night sweats, tiredness, and weight loss.