Non-hodgkin’s lymphoma
Start with the big picture
NHL is grouped by cell lineage and behavior into indolent, aggressive, and highly aggressive forms. Common examples include aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), indolent follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell, marginal zone, Burkitt, and T-cell lymphomas. Painless lymphadenopathy is a hallmark presentation; fever, night sweats, weight loss, and involvement outside lymph nodes may also occur. Evaluation includes excisional lymph-node biopsy with immunophenotyping, imaging and other investigations for staging, and prognostic assessment using the International Prognostic Index. Treatment depends on subtype, symptoms, stage, and patient factors. Strategies discussed in the source include immunochemotherapy, observation for selected asymptomatic follicular lymphoma, targeted agents, radiation in selected settings, and supportive care.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish NHL subtypes by cell lineage and clinical behavior.
- Recognize common presentations, including B symptoms and possible extranodal involvement.
- Describe the roles of biopsy, immunophenotyping, imaging, and staging in evaluation.
- Identify how subtype and clinical context shape treatment strategies.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
