Among the different types of blood cancers, lymphoma is the most common one. There are different types of lymphoma, approximately more than 70 types. However, the two broad categories are Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common form. This cancer has around 30 sub-types in which lymphocyte cells (mainly T-cell or B-cell) are involved. Some of them grow at a rapid pace while the others, very slowly.

The fastest-growing ones include B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and Lymphoblastic lymphoma, among others. These are the most life-threatening variations.

• Burkitt’s lymphoma
  One of the deadliest forms of blood cancer, it is rare and found in about 2% of the reported cases. It is mostly found in children from developing countries.
• B-cell lymphoma
  The aggressive type of lymphoma originates from abnormal B-cells found in the blood. It can lead to death if not treated effectively and immediately.
• Mantle cell lymphoma
  It accounts for only 6% of all the NHL cases and is mostly diagnosed in the later stages of cancer. It affects the bone marrow or gastrointestinal tract and is most common among older adults.

Some of the other types of NHL are slow-growing, such as MALT lymphoma, Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, Follicular lymphoma, Small lymphocytic lymphoma, and Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

• Small lymphocytic lymphoma
  It is a type of indolent lymphoma that grows in the lymph nodes. It is similar in characteristics to chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which is mostly found in the bone marrow.
• Follicular lymphoma
  Out of the different types of lymphoma, it is the slowest growing but most common condition. Around 20% of people suffering from lymphoma are affected by this. This type of lymphoma can generally be seen in older men, the average age being around 60.
• Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
  This type of cancer is rare and found typically in the bone marrow. Antibodies called macroglobulins are produced in a huge amount by Waldenstrom cells. These block out the healthy cells from entering the bone marrow.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Occurring in both adults and children, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is rare. It is formed when there is an increase of Hodgkin’s Reed-Sternberg cells (large, abnormal tumors) in the blood. Young adults between the ages of 24 to 30 are susceptible to get this type of lymphoma. Lymphoma generally originates in the B-cells. Like NHL, this too has many varieties.

The different types of lymphoma, under this group, comprise Lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin disease, Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin disease, mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma, Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease and Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma. The cause of this rare lymphoma is uncertain, but various factors pose a risk.

Lymphoma is a dangerous type of blood cancer that affects different healthy WBCs in our immune systems. As a result, it is essential to consult a doctor and get tested immediately.