Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphoid tissue, which is part of our body's immune system. One of the most important cells in our immune system is a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. There are two types of lymphocytes: 'B-cells' and 'T-cells'. All lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow and start life as young, immature cells called stem cells. Some lymphocytes continue their development in the bone marrow or lymph nodes and these are called B-cells but others move to the thymus gland and they are called T-cells. The description and classification of the various types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma has developed over the years as more has been learnt both about the immune system and the cancers themselves. The most recent classification divides non-Hodgkin lymphoma into some fifteen different tumour types. Each of these will have different patterns of behaviour and may need different approaches to treatment.

Angioimmunoblastic lymphoma is a type of T-cell lymphoma and is a relatively uncommon form of NHL, accounting for only 2% of all cases. They are more common in older age groups and are equally common in men and women. It usually presents with widespread painless swellings in the neck, armpit or groin caused by enlarged lymph nodes along with general symptoms including  night sweats, fever, weight loss or tiredness. This lymphoma also commonly causes an enlarged liver and spleen, anaemia and skin rashes. Fluid collections may appear in the chest and abdomen as well as inflammation of the joints.

The diagnosis is made by a small operation, called a biopsy, which takes away a sample of the suspect lymphatic tissue to examine the cells under the microscope. Additional tests, including blood tests, x-rays, scans and bone marrow samples, are then used to get more information about the lymphoma and to see if it has spread elsewhere in the body. This is important in deciding treatment. Treatment is usually with combination chemotherapy. However, this disease tends to have an aggressive clinical course complicated by frequent infections.