Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
NHL is divided into two groups, indolent (low-grade) of which the most common is follicular lymphoma and aggressive (high-grade) of which the most common is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Although less commonly, B symptoms might be present (fever, night sweats and weight loss). Indolent type usually presents with lymphadenopathy and progresses slowly and don't require/benefit from treatment until they are advanced where cure rate is low. Aggressive type usually presents with large LNs or other focal organ involvement and is usually curable if treated immediately. Risk factors for NHL includes pesticides, infections (EBV/HIV/HTLV-1/Hepatitis C/H. pylori) and immunosuppression. Diagnose with LN excision or mass biopsy not FNA.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is common with DLBCL, look for B-symptoms with spherocytosis on peripheral smear with anemia and elevated LDH.
Treatment of the infectious agent involved help with prognosis. Eradicating H. pylori helps with MALT lymphoma. Improving CD4 in HIV patients and treating EBV infection helps with Burkitt's lymphoma.
We will not go deep in treatment here but an important thing to mention is that CHOP or rituximab-CHOP are commonly used in treatment.
CHOP includes cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone. Consider autologous stem cell transplant in recurrent cases and consider sperm cryopreservation for those desiring fertility. Watch for tumor lysis syndrome that might happen with treatment which manifests by hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, AKI and hypocalcemia.
The CNS might get involved especially in Burkett's lymphoma which will require intrathecal chemotherapy.
A good reading for patient support is this award-winning book by neurobiologist: Living with Lymphoma.
This post covers the points you need to know for your board exams as well as for teaching residents on the daily rounds. Medical professionals can't use the information here to treat their patients nor people can use the information her to treat themselves. If you are having any medical issues, contact your local emergency services or your primary care provider. Please refer to your doctor for medical advice.