Lymphoma is a cancer that originates in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. These lymphocytes travel through the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes and vessels, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, tonsils, and adenoids. The lymphatic system helps protect the body from infections by circulating lymph, a fluid rich in lymphocytes, throughout the body. In lymphoma, certain lymphocytes begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors in lymph nodes or other parts of the lymphatic system. Because lymph tissue is widespread, lymphoma can develop in many different areas of the body.
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is more common and includes a wide range of subtypes. One way doctors classify NHL is by the type of lymphocyte it starts in: B cells, T cells, or natural killer (NK) cells. While most NHL cases arise from B cells, a small minority originates from T or NK cells. T-cell lymphomas are generally divided into two broad categories: Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas (PTCLs), which originate and predominantly involve internal organs, and Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs), which originate and predominantly involve the skin.
lymphatic system
lymphoma classification/breakdown with T-cell lymphoma box highlighted
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Modern Classification of T-Cell Lymphomas: What It Means for PTCL
Oishi N, Ahmed R, Feldman AL. Updates in the
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