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What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Paul G. Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with his childhood friend Bill Gates before becoming a billionaire philanthropist who invested in conservation, space travel, arts and culture and professional sports, died Monday.

He was 65.

He died in Seattle from complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, his company Vulcan Inc. announced.

What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system, according to the American Cancer Society.

From the American Cancer Society: "Lymphoma affects the body’s lymph system (also known as the lymphatic system). The lymph system is part of the immune system, which helps fight infections and some other diseases. It also helps fluids move through the body."

There are different types of lymphoma.

The type of lymphoma depends on what type of lymphocyte is affected (B cells or T cells), how mature the cells are when they become cancerous and other factors, the American Cancer Society says.

What's the latest research on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from UW Medicine?

University of Washington Medicine shared an informational video Tuesday of Dr. Ajay Gopal speaking on current treatments and research involving non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Watch that video embedded below.

What are the signs of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Some of the signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are listed below by the American Cancer Society:

  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue (feeling very tired)
  • Swollen abdomen (belly)
  • Feeling full after only a small amount of food
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath or cough
  • Severe or frequent infections
  • Easy bruising or bleeding

Can non-Hodgkin's lymphoma be prevented?

From the American Cancer Society: "There is no sure way to prevent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Most people with NHL have no risk factors that can be changed, so there is no way to protect against these lymphomas. But there are some things you can do that might lower your risk for NHL, such as limiting your risk of certain infections and doing what you can to maintain a healthy immune system."

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