Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft Corp, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma earlier this month and is undergoing chemotherapy.

Mr. Allen left Microsoft 25 year sago when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease and has interest in many businesses including Charter Communications, professional sports teams and holdings in many technology start-ups.

Jody Allen, Mr. Allen's sister was cited as saying in an email to employees of Vulcan Inc. - Mr. Allen's investment firm that Mr. Allen has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

"Paul is feeling OK and remains upbeat," Ms Allen was quoted by Wall Street Journal as saying in the email. "He continues to work and he has no plans to change his role at Vulcan. His health comes first, though, and we'll be sure that nothing intrudes on that."

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a common type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounting for about 40 percent of all cases. The causes for the disease remain unknown.

The first sign people with the disease experience is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin caused by enlarged lymph nodes. Common symptoms include loss of appetite, tiredness, night sweats, unexplained high temperature and weight loss.

Less than 50 percent of people with diffuse large B cell lymphoma could survive five years after treatment.