Lymphoma, the most common hematologic malignancy, is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow. It is a cancer that affects the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, that travel through the blood and lymphatic system (the part of the body that defends against bacteria and viruses). With lymphoma, a mutation occurs within the lymphocyte, causing abnormal cells to replicate at a faster pace compared with normal cells.

Signs and symptoms may include painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin; persistent fatigue; fever; night sweats; chills; shortness of breath; unexplained weight loss; or itchy skin.