Learn about Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

What are the symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can start almost anywhere in your body. The symptoms you get will depend on where your lymphoma is. Some lymphomas don't cause any symptoms until they get very big.

The most common symptom is a lump that you might or might not be able to feel. It depends where the lump is. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas can grow almost anywhere in your body. If they're close to your skin, you should be able to feel them. But if they're deeper inside your body, you won't.

Here's what we know about lumps from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

If a

lymph nodes
Lymph nodes (also called glands) are small, bean-shaped lumps that you cannot usually see or easily feel. They are located in various parts of the body, such as the neck, armpit and groin. Lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid and remove unusual things, such as bacteria and cancer cells.

lymph node swells up, you might be able to feel one or more lumps in your neck, armpit or groin.
If you get a lump outside a lymph node, you might be able to feel it if it's in your abdomen or your testicles if you are a man.
You can have lumps in just one part of your body, such as in your neck. Or you can have lumps in two or more parts at the same time, such as in your neck and your groin.
The lumps don't usually hurt, even when you feel or squeeze them.
They can grow slowly or quickly.
Sometimes the lumps get very big.
The lumps can come and go, but they last for at least six weeks.

About one-third of people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma get other symptoms too. Doctors call these symptoms nonspecific because you can get them with many other illnesses. For example, you can get all these symptoms with

tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is when your tonsils become inflamed. It happens when your tonsils get infected with viruses or bacteria. Tonsillitis causes a number of symptoms, including a sore throat, pain when you swallow and a high temperature.

tonsillitis, a bad tooth or the flu. They include:

Source:
Armitage J, Mauch PM, Harris NL.
Lymphomas.
In: DeVita V, Hellman S, Rosenberg S (editors). Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 6th edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, New York, USA; 2001.

A swollen gland in the neck can be a sign of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or an infection, such as tonsillitis.

Feeling very tired
Bad sweats at night that soak your night clothes or sheets
A high temperature
Losing interest in food
Losing weight.

Other symptoms

Here are some more specific symptoms you might get.

Bleeding inside your gut that makes you vomit blood or pass blood in your stools. Lymphomas in your gut can bleed, make a hole in your gut wall or block the way through. If any of these things happen, you need immediate treatment in the hospital.
Severe pain in your abdomen. Lymphomas can grow anywhere along your digestive tract, from your throat to your rectum. They cause pain if your gut gets blocked or the lymphoma makes a hole in your gut wall.
Pain in one or more of your bones or a bony lump.
Headaches or seizures. These can be signs of lymphoma in your brain. This kind of lymphoma is common in people with AIDS. It can also make you confused and forgetful.
Painful sinuses, a runny or blocked nose, or bad nose bleeds. A lymphoma in your sinuses can also make your face swell and your eyes bulge. This kind of lymphoma is rare in the United States.
Difficulty breathing. This can be a sign of a lymphoma on the lining of your lungs. The lining fills up with fluid so your lungs don't have room to fill with air.

Sources for the information on this page:

Armitage J, Mauch PM, Harris NL.Lymphomas.In: DeVita V, Hellman S, Rosenberg S (editors). Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 6th edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, New York, USA; 2001.

This information was last updated on Jan 08, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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