What is Lymphoma?

What is lymphoma?

Dr Mary Ann Anderson, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia

Dr Mary Ann Anderson discusses what is lymphoma?

What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is the 6th most common cancer in Australia in adult men and women. It can affect people of all ages and is the most common blood cancer. Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system and effects lymphocytes which are a type of white blood cell. When lymphocytes gain DNA mutations they divide and grow uncontrollably resulting in lymphoma.

There are two main types of lymphocytes called B lymphocytes (B-cells) and T lymphocytes (T-cells). Lymphomas caused by B-cells are more common and account for around 85% of lymphoma cases and lymphomas caused by T-cells account for around 15% of lymphoma cases.

Lymphoma Symptoms
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Loss of weight (more than 10% without trying)
• Frequent infections
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue

For more information please visit the Lymphoma Australia website:

Lymphoma Resources:
o Lymphoma: what you need to know? (booklet)
o Keeping track of your lymphoma – diary (booklet)
o Living with CLL (booklet)
o Lymphoma subtypes – fact sheets
o Lymphoma Management
o Understanding clinical trials
o Supportive care
o Emotional impact of lymphoma

“Lymphoma Down Under” private Facebook group; support for patients & carers affected by lymphoma/CLL

Lymphoma Care Nurse Support Line:
• T: 1800 953 081