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The May 9, 2007, issue of JAMA includes an article reporting an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among persons with hepatitis C virus infection. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the April 11, 2001, issue of JAMA.

WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?

The lymphatic system includes an extensive network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, and lymphoid tissue in the spleen, gastrointestinal tract, tonsils, and adenoids. The lymphatic vessels transport lymph—excess fluid from body tissues that also contains protein, immune cells, and waste products. As the lymph passes through the lymph nodes and spleen, old blood cells, organisms that may cause disease, and foreign substances are filtered out. Lymph is then returned to the circulatory system via the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct.

WHAT IS LYMPHOMA?
Lymphoma is a cancer that originates in the lymphoid tissue when lymphocytes, a type of immune cell, become . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Brian Pace, MA, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor