Lymphoma blood cancer

You may be worried about lymphoma, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.

This page has information about lymphoma symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how Maggie's can help.

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a blood cancer.

It affects white blood cells called lymphocytes.

It starts when these cells grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour.

Lymphoma starts in the lymph nodes, lymph vessels or other organs that are part of the lymphatic system, which runs throughout the body.

Types of lymphoma

There are two main groups of lymphoma: 

• non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
• Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually develops in the lymph nodes, but it can develop anywhere in the lymphatic system.

There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depending on the cell the cancer starts in, how fast the cells grow (the grade) and what the cells look like.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are often grouped as:

• B-cell lymphomas
• T-cell lymphomas
• low grade lymphomas
• high grade lymphomas

Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma usually develops in the lymph nodes in the neck, chest and armpits. 

It is different from non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is treated differently.

This page is about non-Hodgkin lymphoma. If you are worried about Hodgkin lymphoma, explore the resources at the bottom of this page or speak to a cancer support specialist at your nearest Maggie's.

Related cancers

Cancerous tumours that spread from other parts of the body to the lymph nodes are called secondary tumours. 

This is different from primary lymphoma, which starts in the lymphatic system.

Causes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

What causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma is often unknown, but there are factors that may increase your risk of developing it.

Some of these risk factors are specific to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including:

• family history of lymphoma
• exposure to radiation, such as previous radiotherapy
• compromised immune system caused by HIV, AIDS, an autoimmune disease or taking immunosuppressive drugs
• certain infections, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), T-cell lymphoma virus 1 (HTLV1), the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Hepatitis C
• previous blood cancer, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and leukaemia
• previous prostate cancer or melanoma
  

Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.

Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

It is helpful to be aware of the risks so you can see a doctor if you have any concerns.

You may be offered regular scans or blood tests if you have high-risk genetic factors or a family history of lymphoma. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.

Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is swelling around the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin.

Sometimes, non-Hodgkin lymphoma has no signs, but it can be found during tests and scans for other reasons.

When non-Hodgkin lymphoma does cause symptoms, these may include:

• painless swelling around the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin
• night sweats
• temperature that goes up and down
• swollen tonsils
• swollen tummy or abdominal pain
• breathlessness or chest pain
• feeling full more quickly
• weight loss
• fatigue
• itching

Most people with these symptoms do not have non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

If you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor. 

If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.

Getting diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma

If you have been having symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the first step will usually be to see your GP.

What happens in your GP appointment

Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms. You should also tell them about any previous cancers you have had, and if you have a family history of lymphoma.

The doctor might:

• examine you by feeling your glands (lymph nodes) in your neck, armpits and groin
• feel any areas of your body that are swollen or don't feel normal to you
• listen to your lungs using a stethoscope on your chest and back
• arrange blood tests
• ask to see you again
• arrange for you to see a specialist at the hospital

If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.

Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.

Testing for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

A haematologist is a specialist in the blood. To find the cause of your symptoms, the haematologist may arrange further tests, such as:

• an X-ray of your chest
• an ultrasound scan
• a CT scan, PET-CT scan or an MRI scan
• a biopsy, where a tiny sample of tissue from your lymph nodes is removed and tested

After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to receive your results.

Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that talking to someone helps. Find out more about how Maggie's can help.

Understanding a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis

The doctor will explain if you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has moved outside the lymphatic system.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or in shock after hearing that you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and you might have a lot of information to process.

Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.

Find your nearest Maggie's to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes. You may have more than one type of treatment.

The treatments most commonly offered for non-Hodgkin lymphoma are:

• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• targeted therapies
• immunotherapy
• stem cell and bone marrow transplants
• surgery
• supportive treatments, such as blood and platelet transfusions
• clinical trials

Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your doctor and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.

You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.

Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions. Find out more about how Maggie's can support you.

Managing the effects of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and treatment

A non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:

• symptoms and side effects of the cancer and treatment
• changes to your day-to-day life
• worries about money
• a range of feelings and emotions

Contact or visit your nearest Maggie's centre and together we will find the right support for you.

You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.

After treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.

For many people, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.

We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.

How Maggie's can help

We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.

• Find your nearest centre, leave your details and we’ll give you a call
• Just come in – you don't need an appointment

Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027