Lymphatic cancer, also known as lymphoma, is a sub-category of All cancer deaths (see Map 7). There are a number of different types of lymphatic cancer, the main kind being non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Multiple myeloma is also included in this category.

See also Map 58 Leukaemia.

Unusually among cancers, this group is slightly more common in the south east than the north west of England. Rates are also lower in Wales than in the rest of the country. The neighbourhoods with the highest rates of 140–149 are Eilean Siar Rural, Hamilton North and Hamilton Cadzow in Scotland and Battersea in London.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and so people with a weakened immune system have a higher incidence of lymphoma. Lymphoma usually begins in the organs and tissues of the lymphatic system but it can involve almost any tissue in the body.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is usually found in the lymph nodes but can spread to other organs such as the spleen and bone marrow. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is now one of the most treatable of all cancers by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

All other lymphomas are referred to as non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Recently (under ICD-10) just under half of deaths in this grouping were due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, unspecified type.

The actor Richard Harris died from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Singer-songwriter Joey Ramone died of lymphoma.