Lymphoma: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Updated: 17 hours ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that begins in the lymphatic system, the network of tissues, vessels and organs that helps the body fight infection. There are two main types—Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma—and more than 70 subtypes. A common sign is painless swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck, armpit or groin.
If you have symptoms that last more than a couple of weeks, worsen quickly or do not improve, schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare provider. These symptoms can have many causes and do not automatically mean lymphoma.
Medical note: This article is educational and does not diagnose or treat an individual. A qualified clinician should confirm any diagnosis, testing plan or treatment decision.
Quick Answer
Lymphoma is cancer that starts in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell found in the lymphatic system. It commonly begins in lymph nodes but can develop in organs like the thymus or spleen, or outside lymph nodes in the skin or another organ. Lymphoma is serious, but treatment often puts it into remission and can sometimes cure it. [1]
What the research says
Watchful waiting is a recognized option for some slow-growing lymphomas. In a randomized phase 3 trial of 379 patients with advanced-stage, low-tumor-burden follicular lymphoma, 46% (95% CI 39–53) of those assigned to watchful waiting did not need new treatment at 3 years, compared with 88% (95% CI 83–92) of those given rituximab with maintenance (hazard ratio 0.21). The trial measured how long treatment could be delayed, so it does not show which approach is best for every person (Ardeshna et al., Lancet Oncol, 2014). [2]
Lymphoma can run in families, but the added risk is modest. A review of familial risk found that first-degree relatives of people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia have about a 1.7-fold, 3.1-fold and 8.5-fold higher risk of those same conditions. The authors note that low incidence and the lack of a screening test argue against active clinical surveillance in affected families (Cerhan & Slager, Blood, 2015). [3]
A newer first-line regimen improved results in aggressive lymphoma. In 879 people with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a regimen that included polatuzumab vedotin raised 2-year progression-free survival to 76.7% versus 70.2% with standard R-CHOP chemotherapy, with similar side effects; overall survival at 2 years was the same (about 89%) (Tilly et al., N Engl J Med, 2022). [5]
CAR-T cell therapy helps after early relapse. In people whose large B-cell lymphoma came back early, CAR-T therapy (axi-cel) raised 24-month event-free survival to 41% versus 16% with standard care, though serious side effects were common (Locke et al., N Engl J Med, 2022). [6]
What are the main types of lymphoma?
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Together, they include more than 70 subtypes. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common than Hodgkin lymphoma. [1]
The exact type matters because treatment and outlook depend on the lymphoma type, its stage, whether it is fast-growing or slow-growing, age and overall health. A fast-growing lymphoma may also be described as aggressive, while an indolent lymphoma grows more slowly. [1]
Type | What to know |
Hodgkin lymphoma | |
One of the two main types of lymphoma | |
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma | |
One of the two main types and much more common than Hodgkin lymphoma | |
Subtypes | |
More than 70 subtypes exist across the two main groups | |
Indolent lymphoma | |
A slow-growing form that may sometimes be managed as a long-term condition |
What does the lymphatic system have to do with lymphoma?
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that helps the body fight infection. Lymphocytes are white blood cells found in lymphatic tissue, including lymph nodes. Lymphoma is considered a blood cancer because it begins in these white blood cells. [1]
Lymphoma usually starts in lymph nodes, but it can also begin in lymphatic organs such as the thymus or spleen. Extranodal lymphoma begins outside the lymph nodes, including in the skin or another organ. [1]
What are the symptoms of lymphoma?
The first sign is usually a painless lump or swelling in a lymph node in the neck, underarm or groin. Some people can have lymphoma for years without symptoms. In other cases, routine imaging for another reason may identify signs of lymphoma. [1]
Possible symptom | What it may look or feel like |
Swollen lymph nodes | |
Painless lumps in the neck, armpits or groin | |
Fatigue | |
Persistent tiredness | |
Breathing or chest symptoms | |
Shortness of breath or chest pain | |
Belly symptoms | |
Belly pain or swelling | |
Weight change | |
Unexplained weight loss | |
Fever | |
Fever above 103°F / 39.5°C for more than two days | |
Night symptoms | |
Drenching night sweats |
Weight loss, fever and night sweats may be called B symptoms. Providers may look for them when diagnosing and staging lymphoma. Having these symptoms does not prove that a person has lymphoma because many other conditions can cause similar changes. To learn more about why nodes swell, read our guide to swollen lymph nodes. [1]
When should you see a healthcare provider?
Schedule a visit if possible lymphoma symptoms last more than a couple of weeks, worsen quickly or do not improve within a few weeks. Symptoms can resemble those of less serious diseases, so persistent or worsening changes should be assessed by a qualified provider rather than self-diagnosed. [1]
What causes lymphoma?
Lymphoma happens when lymphocytes in the lymphatic system change, or mutate, into cancer cells that do not die. Most of the genetic mutations that cause lymphoma happen spontaneously, without a clear cause. [1]
Lymphoma may begin in lymph nodes, the thymus, the spleen or outside lymph nodes in the skin or another organ.
What factors may increase lymphoma risk?
Several factors may increase the risk of developing lymphoma. These include a family history of lymphoma, certain infections, immune-system deficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop lymphoma. [1]
Risk factor | Examples |
Family history | |
Lymphoma in a biological family, especially a first-degree relative such as a parent, sibling or child | |
Infections | |
HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C and | H. pylori |
Immune-system deficiency | |
Taking immunosuppressant medicines after an organ transplant | |
Autoimmune disease | |
Inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other long-term inflammatory conditions requiring immunosuppressant treatment |
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
A provider begins by asking about symptoms and performing an examination. They may check for swollen lymph nodes and other signs. Diagnosis usually involves more than one type of test because the provider needs to understand whether lymphoma is present and, if so, its type and extent.
The physical exam checks for swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms and groin and for an enlarged spleen or liver. [4]
Test | What it may show |
Blood tests | |
Signs of disease, abnormal blood cells or infections; blood tests may also check for high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) | |
CT, MRI or PET scan | |
Signs of cancer cells throughout the body | |
PET-CT scan | |
A combined imaging test that may be used to look for signs throughout the body | |
Lymph-node biopsy | |
Tissue checked for lymphoma cells | |
Bone-marrow biopsy or aspiration | |
Whether lymphoma cells are present in the blood or bone marrow |
A swollen lymph node is not enough to diagnose lymphoma. A qualified provider should interpret symptoms, examination findings, imaging and laboratory or biopsy results together.
How is lymphoma treated?
Treatment varies according to the type of lymphoma. For some slow-growing lymphomas, a provider may recommend active surveillance, also called watchful waiting, before starting treatment. During active surveillance, the care team monitors overall health and looks for signs that treatment benefits now outweigh the risks of side effects. [1]
Delaying treatment in this setting does not lower the chance that treatment will work, although waiting can postpone treatment side effects. [1]
Common lymphoma treatments
Treatment | Role |
Chemotherapy | |
A common treatment for lymphoma | |
Radiation therapy | |
A common treatment for lymphoma | |
Targeted therapy | |
A treatment option that may be used depending on lymphoma type | |
Immunotherapy | |
Includes CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies | |
Stem-cell transplant | |
Also called a bone-marrow transplant | |
Clinical trials | |
Studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new treatments | |
Palliative care | |
Support for symptoms and treatment side effects, including emotional and spiritual support |
The right treatment plan depends on the type of lymphoma, cancer stage, age and overall health. A qualified care team can explain the expected benefits, risks and follow-up plan.
What does remission mean?
Remission means that a person does not have lymphoma symptoms and tests do not detect lymphoma. Treatment often puts lymphoma into remission and can sometimes cure it. [1]
Lymphoma can return after remission. If it does, the care team may schedule more tests and recommend additional treatment. Regular follow-up appointments help providers check for signs of recurrence. [1]
What is the outlook for lymphoma?
Prognosis depends on the type of lymphoma, cancer stage, age and overall health. Fast-growing and slow-growing lymphomas can follow different courses. Some indolent lymphomas are long-term conditions that require continuous or occasional treatment. [1]
Five-year relative survival estimates are 89% for Hodgkin lymphoma and 74% for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These figures describe groups of people with the same disease; they cannot predict how long a particular person may live. [1]
Lymphoma type | Five-year relative survival estimate | How to interpret it |
Hodgkin lymphoma | ||
89% | ||
An estimate based on groups of people with the disease | ||
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma | ||
74% | ||
An estimate based on groups of people with the disease |
How can you prepare for life with lymphoma?
A lymphoma diagnosis may involve initial treatment and long-term follow-up. Planning can help you identify the support and services you may need. Consider what support you want from loved ones, what foods may help maintain strength during treatment, what activities help you feel healthy, how you will manage stress, and whether services, programs or support groups could help.
Your healthcare provider can help guide this plan and connect you with appropriate resources.
Conclusion: lymphoma is serious, but treatment can help
Lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that begins in lymphocytes. It has two main types and more than 70 subtypes. Painless swollen lymph nodes are a common sign, but lymphoma can also cause fatigue, breathing or chest symptoms, belly symptoms, unexplained weight loss, fever and drenching night sweats.
Diagnosis may involve blood tests, imaging and biopsy. Treatment depends on the type and can include active surveillance, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, stem-cell transplant, clinical trials and palliative care. Treatment often leads to remission and can sometimes cure lymphoma.
If you have persistent or worsening symptoms, use this guide as a starting point and contact a qualified healthcare provider for evaluation. Rinnit.com is here to make complex health information easier to understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lymphoma a blood cancer?
Yes. Lymphoma is considered a blood cancer because it begins in lymphocytes, white blood cells usually found in the lymphatic system. [1]
What is the most common first sign of lymphoma?
The first sign is usually painless swelling or a lump in a lymph node in the neck, underarm or groin. Not everyone with a swollen lymph node has lymphoma. [1]
What are B symptoms?
B symptoms are weight loss, fever and night sweats. Providers may consider them when diagnosing and staging lymphoma. [1]
Are there different types of lymphoma?
Yes. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Together, they include more than 70 subtypes. [1]
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include a physical examination, blood tests, CT, MRI, PET or PET-CT imaging, a lymph-node biopsy and sometimes a bone-marrow biopsy or aspiration. [1]
Can lymphoma be cured?
Treatment often puts lymphoma into remission and can sometimes cure it. The outlook depends on the type, stage, age and overall health. [1]
What is active surveillance?
Active surveillance, also called watchful waiting, means monitoring overall health and signs of lymphoma before beginning treatment. It may be considered for some slow-growing lymphomas. [1]
Can lymphoma return after remission?
Yes. Lymphoma in remission can recur. Follow-up appointments and tests may be used to check for signs that it has returned. [1]
When should I see a provider about possible lymphoma symptoms?
Schedule a visit if symptoms last more than a couple of weeks, worsen quickly or do not improve within a few weeks. Symptoms can have causes other than lymphoma, so a provider should assess them. [1]
Related Reading
Learn more in our guide to Biopsy: What It Is, Types, Preparation, Risks and Results.
Learn more in our guide to Bone Marrow Biopsy: Why It's Done, What to Expect, Pain and Recovery.
Flow Cytometry: What It Is, Why It's Done, How It Works and Results explains the lab test that sorts and counts cells by their surface markers to help diagnose and monitor blood cancers and immune conditions.
Learn more in our guide to Blood Tests for Cancer: Types, What They Can Show and What Results Mean.
Peripheral Blood Smear: Why It's Done, How It Works and What It Shows explains the microscope test that examines the shape and number of red cells, white cells and platelets.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): What It Is, How It Works and What Results Mean explains the antibody staining test that identifies cancer type and treatment targets.
Lymph Node Biopsy: Types, What to Expect, Recovery and Results explains the biopsy used to find out why a lymph node is enlarged.
LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) Test: Normal Range and What High LDH Means explains the enzyme blood test that signals tissue damage.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Lymphoma: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated June 5, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22225-lymphoma
Ardeshna KM, Qian W, Smith P, et al. Rituximab versus a watch-and-wait approach in patients with advanced-stage, asymptomatic, non-bulky follicular lymphoma: an open-label randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2014;15(4):424-435. PMID 24602760. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(14)70027-0
Cerhan JR, Slager SL. Familial predisposition and genetic risk factors for lymphoma. Blood. 2015;126(20):2265-2273. PMID 26405224. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2015-04-537498
Mayo Clinic Staff. Lymphoma - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. September 17, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352642
Tilly H, Morschhauser F, Sehn LH, et al. Polatuzumab Vedotin in Previously Untreated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2022;386(4):351-363. PMID 34904799. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2115304
Locke FL, Miklos DB, Jacobson CA, et al. Axicabtagene Ciloleucel as Second-Line Therapy for Large B-Cell Lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2022;386(7):640-654. PMID 34891224. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2116133
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or treatment.
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