Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), is a type of blood cancer that occurs when lymphocytes start to grow uncontrollably. The lymphocytes are the immune system’s white blood cells that fight infection. Like any other cancer, the cancerous cells in NHL can also spread and affect other areas of the body. There are more than 30 different subtypes that are divided into two groups known as B-cell lymphomas and T-cell lymphomas, both named for the affected cells.

The various types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include the following:

1. Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)
This type of lymphoma generally affects B-cell lymphocytes, which are present in lymph nodes and organs like the tonsils and spleen. As a result, the first sign of this condition generally includes a painless lump in the groin, neck, or armpit. SLL is widely considered to be a slow-growing lymphoma, and the symptoms may sometimes not appear for years.

2. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Known as one of the most common types of NHL, this is considered to be aggressive. The cancerous cells usually take only a few weeks to spread throughout the body, however, if your doctor diagnoses the symptoms at an early stage, this disease can even be cured effectively.

3. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
This type of lymphoma generally affects the mantle zone or edges of the B-cell lymphocytes. Some of the common signs of the disease generally include swelling in the armpit or neck. If the disease affects the lymph nodes that surround the bowel, then lumps may also occur in the groin.

4. Burkitt’s lymphoma
Even though Burkitt’s lymphoma is rarer than the other common types of lymphoma, it is known to be dangerous, as it is aggressive. This type of lymphoma is generally diagnosed at advanced stages and is often treated with chemotherapy. Nonetheless, if you are aware of the risk factors and successfully diagnose it at an early stage, you will be able to prevent this disease quite easily.

5. Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma
CNS lymphoma generally causes malignant cells to form in the lymph nodes of the spinal cord or brain. Like some other types of NHL, the cancerous cells in CNS lymphoma are also quite aggressive and can spread throughout the body within months. Oncologists usually diagnose this disease through tests that help them examine the overall health of your brain, eyes, and spinal cord.

6. Follicular lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma is another common type of NHL. However, unlike most aggressive forms of lymphoma, this can be treated successfully, as the disease takes years to develop. The risk factors of most types of lymphoma are common. Thus, you would have to know and avoid most risk factors to reduce the chances of NHL.