Q&A : ADVICE FROM EXPERTS LYMPHOMA, THOUGH RAPIDLY RISING, REMAINS OBSCURE.

In 1997, lymphoma, a type of cancer, will claim the lives of more than 40,000 men, women and children in America, according to the Los Angeles-based Lymphoma Research Foundation of America. And although lymphoma is the third most rapidly rising cancer in this country, the disease remains obscure to many.

The foundation, founded in 1991, raises money to fund research for lymphoma's cure. The organization also offers free support groups for lymphoma patients and their families. For more information, call and leave a message with the foundation at [phone]. For direct assistance, call [phone]. Or visit their Website at http://www.lymphoma.org.

Ellen Glesby Cohen, the foundation's founder and president, provided the following information. Cohen is a lymphoma survivor.

What is lymphoma?

It's a cancer of the lymph system, the body's defense system for fighting bacteria, viruses and diseases.

Are there many kinds of lymphoma?

Yes. Lymphomas are a diverse group of diseases including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's diseases. (Hodgkin's disease is named after Thomas Hodgkin, a 19th-century English physician.) Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's diseases differ in cell types involved, and the time at which the cells turn cancerous. Hodgkin's manifests itself like a migrating tumor, from the neck down to the body. Non-Hodgkin's can produce tumors everywhere, all at once.

What are some common symptoms?

Painless, colorless swelling can develop in lymph nodes, which are located throughout the body including the neck, under your arms and in your groin. And although not visible, swelling also can occur inside the abdomen and chest. Other symptoms can include fevers, severe nighttime sweating, fatigue and weight loss.

How serious is lymphoma?

Although lymphoma can be deadly, early detection and aggressive treatment can lead to remission and productive, active lives for lymphoma patients.

What causes lymphoma?

Research shows 85 to 95 percent of lymphoma cases involve environmental viruses. In other words, it's not an inherited disease.

Is there a cure? What treatments are available?

Although there is no recognized cure today, chemotheraphy and radiation treatments are common options. Medication also is available.

How is lymphoma detected?

Unfortunately, there's no easy blood test to uncover lymphoma. In fact, a biopsy is required. As a general rule of thumb, if swelling and/or other symptoms persist for about one to three months, contact your physician.

Why is there relatively little public awareness about lymphoma?

Until recently, lymphoma was viewed as an older person's disease. And lymphoma's seemingly generic symptoms often are mistaken for other illnesses, or go undetected for years until the disease has progressed. But lymphoma today targets men, women and children of all races and ages.