About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.

Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Symptoms

Causes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Causes

Tests and next steps for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Diagnosis

Treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Medical treatments

The main symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is painless lumps in your armpit, neck or groin. Other symptoms include a high temperature and night sweats.

It’s not known what causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some things can increase your risk of getting it, including having a weakened immune system.

The main test for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a biopsy, where a sample of the affected glands (lymph nodes) is taken and checked for signs of cancer.

Treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other medicines that target cancer cells.

Main symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:

a painless lump or swelling, usually in your neck, armpit or the area at the top of your inner thigh (groin) – this is the most common symptom
a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery
night sweats
shortness of breath
itchy skin
sudden unexplained weight loss

Who is more likely to get non-Hodgkin lymphoma

It is not known what causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but there are things that may increase your chances of getting it.

Anyone can get non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but you may be at higher risk if:

you’re over 50
you’ve had certain infections, including the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes glandular fever) and hepatitis C
you have a weakened immune system – either from a health condition such as HIV or because you're having treatment that weakens your immune system
you have a condition where your immune system attacks your body tissue (autoimmune condition), such as coeliac disease or psoriasis
you have a close relative (parent, brother or sister) who’s had non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Main test for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (biopsy)

If a GP thinks you might have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, they’ll refer you to a specialist at a hospital for tests.

The main test for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a biopsy, where a sample of the affected glands (lymph nodes) is taken and checked for signs of cancer.

You may have:

part, or all, of a lymph node removed (excision biopsy)
a sample of cells taken from a lymph node using a thin needle (needle biopsy)

You will usually have either a local or general anaesthetic so you do not feel any pain during the test.

Main treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

The treatment you'll have for non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on:

if it is fast growing (high grade) or slow growing (low grade)
where it is in your body
the type you have
if it has spread to other parts of your body
what symptoms you have
your general health

You may be offered a combination of treatments including chemotherapy, other medicines that target the cancer cells and radiotherapy.

Your specialist treatment team will:

explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
help you to manage the side effects of treatment

If you have any questions or worries, you can talk to your specialist team.

Fast-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Fast-growing (high grade) non-Hodgkin lymphoma needs to be treated straight away.

Treatment can often get rid of it completely but sometimes you may need further treatment.

Slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Treatment for slow-growing (low grade) non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not get rid of it but can keep it under control for many years.

If you have slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you can sometimes delay treatment if you do not have symptoms (this is sometimes called watch and wait).

Where to find help and support for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

If you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, your specialist treatment team will be there to support you throughout your treatment.

They will also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information about non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Blood Cancer UK

Information and support for anyone affected by non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Lymphoma Action

Information and support for anyone affected by non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Website: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 5555
Lymphoma Action: helpline services, including live chat and email
Lymphoma Action: online support meetings

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 0000
Macmillan Cancer Support: non-Hodgkin lymphoma online forum
Macmillan Cancer Support: email the Macmillan support line
Macmillan Cancer Support: find local cancer support services

Cancer Research UK