General Information

 90% of lymphomas are B-cell. Thus, T-cell lymphoma is rare

 All lymphomas arise from normal lymphocytes (immunity regulating white blood cells) in    the body

 Two types of lymphocytes:

   1. B-cell: derived from bone marrow cells
   2. T-cell: derived from thymus, a special gland in the central part of the chest

 B-cell lymphocytes make antibodies

 T-cell lymphocytes regulate the B-cell lymphocytes

 Lymphomas can arise from either B- or T-cell lymphocytes. This ancestry can be    demonstrated with some special tests in the laboratory

 T-cell and B-cell lymphomas often differ in

     Places in the body where they occur

     Appearance under the microscope

     Response to treatment

 In general, T-cell lymphomas are more difficult to treat and have a greater chance of    recurring

 Occasionally T-cell lymphomas show a predisposition to attack the skin

 A very rare form of T-cell lymphoma has been found due to a virus. If the    characteristics of your lymphoma suggested this type of lymphoma (high calcium in    blood, bone and skin lesions, lymphoma cells in blood and bone marrow) your doctor will    send special blood tests to check for the virus