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Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Types and grades of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We have pages below about some of these types.

Doctors also give NHL a grade, depending on how quickly it is likely to grow.  The 2 groups are low grade and high grade. Low grade NHL tends to grow very slowly. High grade grows more quickly.

How doctors group non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Doctors look at several different factors to group non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) into different types.

Low grade NHL

Low grade NHL tends to grow very slowly. There are different types of low grade NHL.

High grade NHL

High grade NHL tends to grow quite quickly. Doctors sometimes describe them as aggressive lymphomas.

Follicular lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It is usually slow growing and called a low grade lymphoma.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). DLBCL grows quickly and your treatment starts soon after diagnosis.

Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma is a type of fast growing (high grade) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Treatment can be very intensive and last several months.

Last reviewed: 14 Feb 2024

Next review due: 14 Feb 2027

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