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. 

Skin lymphoma

There are 2 main types of skin (cutaneous) lymphoma. Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) and cutaneous B cell lymphoma (CBCL). 

Mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare type of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Find out about the symptoms and treatment.

MALT lymphoma

This low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) starts in the mucosa which lines some body organs and cavities. Find out more about the symptoms and treatment. 

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma

Angioimmunoblastic lymphoma (AITL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It is a high grade (aggressive) lymphoma that affects blood cells called T cells.

Richter’s syndrome

Richter’s syndrome is a very rare type of high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). People who develop Richter's syndrome have a type of blood cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). 

Last reviewed: 
14 Feb 2024
Next review due: 
14 Feb 2027