All the rest are known as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and affect mainly people over 50 years of age. The cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not known. Lymph nodes are small organs, up to about one inch in size, that lie alongside lymph vessels and act as filters. When you have lymphoma, clusters of these enlarged nodes may be felt through the skin in the neck, armpit, and groin areas. Other diagnostic tests, such as chest x-ray, CT scan, bone marrow biopsy and biopsies of the liver, spleen, or lymph nodes in the abdomen, may be done in order to determine how far the disease has progressed and to help determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed.
Radiation therapy, anti-cancer drugs, or both may be used, and sometimes bone marrow transplants are done. The earlier any lymphoma is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances for complete recovery. If you notice lumps in your neck, armpit, or groin, tell your health care provider. If you have other symptoms, tell your health care provider. Developed by Ann Carter, MD, for iMcKesson Clinical Reference Products.