Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a group of lymphomas. There are almost endless types of lymphoma. A few notable ones are:

• Burkitt lymphoma is associated with Epstein-Barr virus, malaria and HIV.
  • t(8;14) IgH-Myc translocation is common in Burkitt’s Non-hodgkins lymphoma and characteristically causes excessive proliferation, which is treatable with chemotherapy.

MALT lymphoma 

• Diffuse large B cell lymphoma often presents as a rapidly growing painless mass in patients over 65 years. (most common type)

Risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:

• HIV
• Epstein-Barr Virus
• H. pylori (MALT lymphoma)
• Hepatitis B or C infection
• Exposure to pesticides and a specific chemical called trichloroethylene used in several industrial processes
• Family history

The presentation is similar to Hodgkin’s lymphoma

often they can only be differentiated when the lymph node is biopsied.

Management involves a combination of treatments depending on the type and staging of the lymphoma:

• Watchful waiting
• Chemotherapy
• Monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab
• Radiotherapy