Diagnosis guide
Lymphoma
If you or someone you love has just heard this diagnosis, start here. It covers several subtypes, and this guide shows how they differ, so you can find the one on your report.
Lymphoma is a broad name for cancers that start in lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system. The abnormal lymphocytes build up in lymph nodes, lymph vessels and other organs. There are two main types. In Hodgkin lymphoma, large abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells can be seen, and the lymphoma can often be cured. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a large group of cancers. Most start in B cells; fewer start in T cells or natural killer (NK) cells. Some types grow slowly and others grow fast, and the exact type guides treatment. In Europe in 2024, most transplants for lymphoma used the person’s own stem cells, given back after high-dose treatment. CAR T-cell therapy is an option for some B-cell lymphomas. A donor transplant is used for selected people, such as some with T-cell lymphoma or with lymphoma that comes back.
In short
- Lymphoma is a group of cancers that start in lymphocytes, white blood cells of the immune system. The two main types are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Some types grow slowly and others grow fast. A biopsy finds the exact type, and that shapes treatment.
- Most transplants for lymphoma use the person’s own stem cells. CAR T-cell therapy is used for some B-cell types, and a donor transplant for selected cases.
Start with the broad type
Each guide explains one broad type and how its subtypes differ.
- Diagnosis guide
Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma has two types: classic Hodgkin, by far the most common, and rare, slower-growing NLPHL. How they differ and when a transplant is used.
- Diagnosis guide
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of lymphocyte cancers. B-cell or T-cell, slow- or fast-growing, the type guides treatment, including CAR-T or transplant.
Find the subtype on your report
The exact diagnosis shapes the treatment options. Your care team can explain the name on your report. Open a group to see its subtypes.
Hodgkin lymphoma 2 subtypes
Classic Hodgkin lymphoma, marked by Reed-Sternberg cells, and the rare NLPHL type.
Classic Hodgkin lymphoma
Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is a B-cell cancer identified by characteristic Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells. Many people are cured with initial drug treatment, sometimes with radiotherapy; transplant is mainly used when the lymphoma returns or resists treatment.
Usually the person’s own cellsNodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL)
Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare, usually slow-growing B-cell lymphoma that differs from classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Its large LP (“popcorn”) cells carry B-cell markers such as CD20. Most people are diagnosed at an early stage and do very well.
Limited transplant role
Fast-growing B-cell lymphomas 7 subtypes
Aggressive non-Hodgkin types that usually need treatment soon after diagnosis.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive cancer of mature B cells. Many people are cured with initial treatment. At relapse, the choice among CAR-T therapy, autologous transplantation and other treatments depends on timing and response.
Cell or gene therapy optionsMantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a mature B-cell cancer with a variable pace. Targeted medicines and immunotherapy are changing treatment, including when autologous transplant is useful; donor transplantation is reserved for selected situations.
Cell or gene therapy optionsBurkitt lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma is a rapidly growing mature B-cell cancer associated with abnormal MYC activity. Prompt, specialized drug treatment can cure many patients; stem cell transplantation is not the usual first-line treatment.
Limited transplant rolePrimary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)
Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma that usually begins in the chest between the lungs. Initial treatment can be curative; transplantation and CAR-T therapy are mainly considered for resistant or relapsed disease.
Cell or gene therapy optionsDouble-hit lymphoma (MYC and BCL2 rearranged)
Double-hit lymphoma is a fast-growing B-cell lymphoma in which the MYC and BCL2 genes are both rearranged. The World Health Organization now calls it diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements. It is found by a lab test on the biopsy and is different from “double-expressor” lymphoma.
Cell or gene therapy optionsPrimary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL)
Primary central nervous system lymphoma starts in the brain, spinal cord, eyes or nearby coverings without lymphoma elsewhere at diagnosis. Treatment must reach these sites; eligible patients may receive high-dose chemotherapy followed by their own stem cells.
Usually the person’s own cellsRichter transformation (Richter syndrome)
Richter transformation is when chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) turns into a fast-growing lymphoma, most often diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and less often Hodgkin lymphoma. It needs prompt treatment, and doctors check whether the new lymphoma grew from the same cells as the CLL.
Donor transplant option
Slow-growing B-cell lymphomas 4 subtypes
Indolent non-Hodgkin types. Some are watched closely at first.
Follicular lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma is usually a slow-growing B-cell cancer. Treatment ranges from monitoring to radiotherapy, medicines and cellular therapy; transplantation is considered for selected higher-risk or relapsed disease.
Cell or gene therapy optionsChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL/SLL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) are two presentations of the same mature B-cell cancer. Many people initially need monitoring; targeted medicines are the usual treatment, and donor transplantation is reserved for selected difficult-to-treat disease.
Limited transplant roleMarginal zone lymphoma (MZL)
Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a group of slow-growing B-cell lymphomas. The main types are extranodal (MALT) lymphoma, which often starts in the stomach or other organs, nodal MZL and splenic MZL.
Limited transplant roleWaldenström macroglobulinemia
Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma that produces an IgM antibody protein. Some people need only monitoring; medicines are the usual treatment, with transplantation reserved for selected relapsed disease.
Limited transplant role
T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas 7 subtypes
Uncommon non-Hodgkin types that start in T cells or natural killer (NK) cells.
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL-NOS)
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), is a cancer of mature T cells that does not fit another defined subtype. Treatment often uses combination chemotherapy; selected patients may receive an autologous or donor transplant.
Usually the person’s own cellsAngioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL)
The World Health Organization’s 2022 classification calls angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma “nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic-type.” It can disrupt immune function as well as cause lymphoma growth, and treatment may include selected stem cell transplant approaches.
Usually the person’s own cellsALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma without an ALK rearrangement. Treatment commonly uses drug combinations, with autologous or donor transplantation considered in selected situations.
Usually the person’s own cellsALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma driven by an ALK rearrangement. Many patients respond well to initial drug treatment; transplantation is mainly considered for selected higher-risk or relapsed disease.
Limited transplant roleExtranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL)
Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is an Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoma that often affects the nose and nearby tissues. Treatment depends strongly on its extent; selected advanced or relapsed cases may benefit from a donor transplant.
Donor transplant optionAdult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL)
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a cancer of mature T cells associated with long-standing HTLV-1 infection. Treatment differs by subtype; a donor transplant is an important potentially curative option for eligible people with aggressive disease.
Donor transplant optionHepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL)
Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma is a rare, aggressive lymphoma that mainly involves the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Early specialist treatment and donor-transplant assessment are important because ordinary lymphoma chemotherapy alone often gives short-lived control.
Donor transplant option
Lymphomas of the skin 2 subtypes
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, which affect the skin and sometimes the blood.
Mycosis fungoides
Mycosis fungoides is a T-cell lymphoma that usually begins in the skin. Early disease is often treated with skin-directed therapies; a donor stem cell transplant is an option for selected advanced or difficult-to-treat cases.
Limited transplant roleSézary syndrome
Sézary syndrome is a mature T-cell lymphoma involving the blood and usually causing widespread inflamed, itchy skin. Systemic treatment is central; a donor stem cell transplant can offer lasting remission for selected eligible patients.
Donor transplant option
Also in this group
More lymphomas explained in the library.
Related diagnosis guides
Key facts
- Two main types
- Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomaAs described by the National Cancer Institute, accessed 2026-09-26. Source: Two main types
- New non-Hodgkin cases expected in the U.S.
- About 79,320 in 2026All non-Hodgkin lymphoma, United States, 2026 projection by the American Cancer Society, as reported by SEER. Source: New non-Hodgkin cases expected in the U.S.
- New Hodgkin cases expected in the U.S.
- About 8,920 in 2026All Hodgkin lymphoma, United States, 2026 projection by the American Cancer Society, as reported by SEER. Source: New Hodgkin cases expected in the U.S.
- Where non-Hodgkin lymphoma starts
- B cells in 80–85% of cases; T cells in 15–20%United States, as summarized by NMDP with its transplant consultation guidelines, accessed 2026-09-26. NK-cell lymphomas are rare. Source: Where non-Hodgkin lymphoma starts
- Transplants for lymphoma in Europe
- Own cells about 7,455 · donor 1,455Transplants reported to EBMT, the European transplant society, in 2024, from 688 centers in 53 countries. Own-cell count adds 5,180 for non-Hodgkin and 2,275 for Hodgkin lymphoma. Source: Transplants for lymphoma in Europe
- CAR T-cell therapy
- Lymphomas were 70% of all CAR-T treatmentsCAR T-cell therapies reported to EBMT in 2024 (6,082 people). Source: CAR T-cell therapy
How lymphoma is diagnosed
Lymphoma is diagnosed with a biopsy, which removes tissue so it can be studied under a microscope. Often a surgeon removes a whole swollen lymph node (excisional biopsy) or part of one (incisional biopsy). A wide needle can also take tissue from a node (core biopsy).
A pathologist then names the exact type. Reed-Sternberg cells point to classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Marker tests (immunophenotyping and immunohistochemistry) use antibodies to find proteins on the cells. They help tell one type of lymphoma from another. Chromosome and gene tests, such as cytogenetic analysis and FISH, help define some types.
Other tests show where the lymphoma is and how far it has spread. This is the stage, from I to IV. Tests may include a PET-CT scan, a complete blood count, an LDH blood test and tests for HIV and hepatitis B and C. Some people also have a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.
When transplant specialists are usually consulted
U.S. guidelines from NMDP and ASTCT name points when a lymphoma team usually asks a transplant center for an opinion. For Hodgkin lymphoma, they are when it does not respond to first treatment and when it comes back. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, they depend on the type. Examples include large B-cell lymphoma that does not respond or comes back, and double-hit lymphoma at diagnosis. Mantle cell lymphoma is on the list at diagnosis, and T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas at diagnosis or first remission. The guidelines also say age alone does not rule out a transplant.
Read the guidanceLooking ahead
Outlook for lymphoma
The outlook depends most on the type. NCI says Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured, while the outlook for non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type. The stage, B symptoms (fever, drenching night sweats or weight loss with no known cause), blood test results, age and general health matter too. So does whether the lymphoma is new or has come back.
Slow-growing (indolent) non-Hodgkin lymphomas tend to grow and spread slowly and cause few symptoms. Fast-growing (aggressive) types grow and spread quickly, and their symptoms can be severe. The two are treated differently. Each type’s own guide gives its outlook.
Relative survival compares people with lymphoma to people in the general population and leaves out deaths from other causes. The figures below describe people diagnosed years ago, and treatment keeps changing.
About these numbers. Each one says which group of people it comes from, and the place and years where the source gives them. It describes what happened across that group, not what will happen to any one person. And a figure measured among people who had a transplant is not the same as the number of people who need one.
- 89.3%5-year relative survival, Hodgkin lymphoma
All ages and all Hodgkin lymphoma combined, people diagnosed 2016–2022, U.S. SEER 21 areas (excluding Illinois).
Read the source: 5-year relative survival, Hodgkin lymphoma - 74.3%5-year relative survival, non-Hodgkin lymphoma
All ages and all non-Hodgkin lymphoma types combined, people diagnosed 2016–2022, U.S. SEER 21 areas (excluding Illinois).
Read the source: 5-year relative survival, non-Hodgkin lymphoma
These figures combine many types, so they can be far from the outlook for any one type or any one person.
Common questions
What are the main types of lymphoma?
NCI splits lymphoma into two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In Hodgkin lymphoma, abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells can be seen, and they usually form from B cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a large group of cancers that can grow slowly or quickly. In the United States, NMDP reports that 80% to 85% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma starts in B cells and 15% to 20% in T cells. Lymphoma of natural killer (NK) cells is rare.
Is lymphoma a blood cancer?
Yes. The American Society of Hematology counts lymphoma as one of the three main types of blood cancer, along with leukemia and myeloma. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which helps the body get rid of extra fluid and makes immune cells. Abnormal lymphocytes become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in lymph nodes and other tissues. Over time, they weaken the immune system.
Is lymphoma curable?
It depends on the type. NCI says Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured, and that it can usually be cured if found and treated early. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, NCI says the outlook depends on the specific type. MedlinePlus notes that a person with no symptoms may not need treatment right away; this is called watchful waiting. The page for each type explains its outlook.
What are the first signs of lymphoma?
A common first sign is a swollen, painless lymph node in the neck, armpit or groin. MedlinePlus also lists weight loss with no known cause, fever, soaking night sweats, and weakness and tiredness that do not go away. Some people have a cough, trouble breathing or chest pain, or pain, swelling or fullness in the belly. These signs have many other causes. A biopsy is needed to diagnose lymphoma.
What is the survival rate for lymphoma?
It depends a great deal on the type. In U.S. SEER data for people diagnosed from 2016 to 2022, five-year relative survival was 89.3% for Hodgkin lymphoma and 74.3% for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Each of these mixes many types with very different outlooks. The outlook section on this page explains what these figures describe. They cannot predict what will happen to one person.
Does lymphoma need a bone marrow transplant?
Many people with lymphoma are treated without a transplant. When one is used, it usually takes the person’s own stem cells, given back after high-dose treatment. In Europe in 2024, EBMT recorded about 7,455 own-cell transplants for lymphoma and 1,455 donor transplants. T-cell lymphomas made up 43.6% of those donor transplants. CAR T-cell therapy, made from a person’s own immune cells, is also used, mostly for B-cell lymphomas.
Lymphoma
From the Jada Bascom Foundation disease library, jadabascomfoundation.org. Printed .
Questions to bring to your care team
- Is this Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and what is the exact type?
- Is it slow-growing or fast-growing, and what stage is it?
- Could a transplant or CAR T-cell therapy ever be part of my plan, and would a transplant use my own cells or a donor’s?
- When would you want me to meet a transplant or cell therapy team?
- What is the goal of each treatment you are suggesting?
- How does a transplant compare with the other treatments on offer?
- Where can our family find support during treatment?
A one-page list to take to the next appointment, with room for notes.
Supporting someone with a diagnosisSupport for patients and families
These independent organizations offer information and support. JBF is not affiliated with them.
- Lymphoma Research Foundation US nonprofit devoted to Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, offering a helpline, patient guides, peer support, webinars and financial support resources.United States
- Lymphoma Action UK charity with a freephone helpline, live chat, monthly support meetings, peer buddies and free books for anyone affected by lymphoma.United Kingdom
- Lymphoma Coalition A worldwide network of more than 90 lymphoma patient organizations in 55 countries, with information about lymphoma and help finding a member group nearby.International
Other patients need a donor.
A transplant for lymphoma usually uses the patient’s own cells, but thousands of other patients need a donor. For many of them, that donor is a stranger who joined a registry.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this page, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
Help a family find a donor
Our family guide explains practical ways to help someone who needs a donor. A registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Understanding transplant
Short explainers on what a transplant is and what it means for a family.
Sources and further reading
- What Is Cancer?
National Cancer Institute, Updated 2026-08-28; accessed 2026-09-26 - Lymphoma—Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, Accessed 2026-09-26 - The 2024 EBMT activity report: crossing one million HCTs and 20,000 CAR-T. A landmark in cellular therapy
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2026-05-27 - Recommended timing for transplant consultation: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
NMDP and ASTCT, Accessed 2026-09-26 - Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-02-27 - Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2024-08-22 - Lymphoma
MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, Last updated 2024-12-05; accessed 2026-09-26 - Blood Cancers
American Society of Hematology, Accessed 2026-09-26 - Cancer Stat Facts: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
National Cancer Institute, SEER Program, Accessed 2026-09-26 - Cancer Stat Facts: Hodgkin Lymphoma
National Cancer Institute, SEER Program, Accessed 2026-09-26 - Recommended timing for transplant consultation: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
NMDP and ASTCT, Accessed 2026-09-26 - 2024 Recommended Timing for Transplant Consultation
NMDP and American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), February 2024; accessed 2026-09-26
