What Is Lymphoma?
A plain-language explanation of lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the lymph system, based on National Cancer Institute resources.
Source: National Cancer Institute · Verified 2026-07-02
The 30-second version
Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured, and the outlook for non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type.
Key takeaways
- Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system.
- The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
- Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured.
- The prognosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The simple version
Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system. Rather than naming a single disease, the word covers cancers that start in this part of the body.
Lymphoma is a group of cancers that begin in the lymph system.
The two main types
There are two main types of lymphoma:
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
These two groups are the starting point for understanding lymphoma. Knowing which of the two a person has is an important step, because the two types can behave differently.
Every lymphoma falls into one of two main groups: Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin.
Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured. That is an encouraging fact about this type, though what it means for any one person is a conversation for their healthcare team.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
The prognosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type. "Prognosis" means the likely course and outcome of a disease.
Because NHL is really an umbrella for many specific types, the outlook is not the same for everyone. This is why it matters to know exactly which type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is present.
With non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the specific type shapes the outlook.
Prevention and screening
The National Cancer Institute does not have PDQ evidence-based information about prevention or screening for lymphoma. This means there is no standard evidence-based screening test listed for it the way there is for some other cancers. Your healthcare team is the best source for guidance about your own situation.
Watch instead
Animated lessons are in production. Here’s the planned video slate for this topic — each one will be based on the same NCI-sourced explanation you’re reading.
What Is Lymphoma: the quick overview
A one-breath explanation you can watch before an appointment.
Coming soonWhat Is Lymphoma, explained simply
The core ideas with friendly animation and plain language.
Coming soonUnderstanding what is lymphoma — full lesson
A deeper walkthrough covering the key takeaways and common questions.
Coming soonVideo transcript▾
A full, readable transcript will appear here when the video is published — so the lesson is accessible whether you prefer to watch, listen, or read. For now, the article above is the complete text version.
Suggested animation storyboard▾
- 1Open on a calm title card: "What Is Lymphoma?" with the Cancer Explained mark.
- 2Narrator reads the 30-second summary while a soft animated diagram builds on screen: "Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured, and the outlook for non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type."
- 3Scene 2: illustrate the idea — "Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system."
- 4Scene 3: illustrate the idea — "The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)."
- 5Scene 4: illustrate the idea — "Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured."
- 6Close on a reminder card: this is educational only; talk with your healthcare team, and a link to the NCI source.
Words to know
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Quick knowledge check
According to this article, what is lymphoma?
Frequently asked questions
▸What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system.
▸What are the two main types of lymphoma?
The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is often shortened to NHL.
▸Can Hodgkin lymphoma be cured?
Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured. Your healthcare team can explain what this means for your own situation.
▸What is the outlook for non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
The prognosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type. Because NHL includes many types, the outlook varies from person to person.
▸Is there a screening test for lymphoma?
The National Cancer Institute does not have PDQ evidence-based information about prevention or screening for lymphoma. Your healthcare team is the best source for guidance.
Test your understanding
A few quick questions to check what you took away. Not a test of anything medical — just a way to review.
0 of 4 answered
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Review key terms
Study 8 flashcards built from this topic’s key terms and common questions — flip each card to reveal a plain-language explanation.
Questions to ask your healthcare team
Consider bringing these questions to your next appointment.
- Is this Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
- If it is non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which specific type is it?
- What does prognosis mean in my situation?
- Who will be part of my care team?
- Where can I find trustworthy information about this type of lymphoma?
- What questions should I be asking that I haven't thought of yet?
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