Types And Grades | Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - Cancer Research UK

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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Types and grades of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Here we have information on some of the many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Doctors also give NHL a grade, depending on how quickly it is likely to grow.

How doctors group non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Doctors look at several different factors to group non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) into different types.

Low grade NHL

Low grade NHL tends to grow very slowly. There are different types of low grade NHL.

High grade NHL

High grade NHL tends to grow quite quickly. Doctors sometimes describe them as aggressive lymphomas.

Follicular lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It is usually slow growing and called a low grade lymphoma.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). DLBCL grows quickly and your treatment starts soon after diagnosis.

Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma is a type of fast growing (high grade) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Treatment can be very intensive and last several months.

Mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare type of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It often grows quickly.

Marginal zone lymphoma

Marginal zone lymphoma is a type of low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There are different types of marginal zone lymphomas.

MALT lymphoma

This low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) starts in the mucosa which lines some body organs and cavities. It is a type of marginal zone lymphoma.

Skin lymphoma - cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL)

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is the most common type of skin lymphoma. The most common types of CTCL are mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome.

Skin lymphoma - cutaneous B cell lymphoma (CBCL)

In skin (cutaneous) B cell lymphoma, the B cells grow out of control within the skin. B cells are a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte.

Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL)

Peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a group of high grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). These lymphomas grow quickly and your treatment starts soon after diagnosis.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma

Angioimmunoblastic lymphoma (AITL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It is a high grade (aggressive) lymphoma that affects blood cells called T cells.

Lymphoma of the brain or spinal cord

This is also called primary CNS lymphoma. It starts in the lymph tissue of the brain or spinal cord.

Richter's syndrome

Richter’s syndrome is a very rare type of high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). People who develop Richter's syndrome have a type of blood cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

Last reviewed: 14 Feb 2024

Next review due: 14 Feb 2027

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