Non-Hodgkins lymphoma cells (translucent with large purple nuclei). Healthy red (discs) and white (translucent with small nuclei) blood cells are shown in the background. Lymphoma is a malignant (cancerous) growth of white blood cells (lymphocytes). White blood cells are part of the bodys immune system and circulate in a clear liquid called lymph. There are many types of lymphoma depending on the cells affected but all are divided into 2 types, Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphomas. Hodgkins lymphoma is characterised by the presence of Reed-Sternburg cells, a giant type of macrophage. All other lymphomas are non-Hodgkins.