Final answer:
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by its many subtypes, which are based on the type of lymphocytes affected, with each subtype having different behaviors and treatment responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
A key feature of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the presence of numerous subtypes, which are distinguished based on the type of lymphocytes they affect - either B cells, T cells, or sometimes NK (natural killer) cells. These various subtypes influence the behavior, treatment response, and prognosis of the disease.
Unlike Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a distinct entity, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that includes around 60 different subtypes, making it a highly variable disease. Subtypes such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be aggressive and fast-growing but with early detection and treatment, about 70% of patients can be cured. Other subtypes may be slow-growing, requiring different treatment approaches.