Tuesday 06 February 2024
Susan Long – Maggie's
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 ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë can help.
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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.
There are two main groups of 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:
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 ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
If you have been having symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the first step will usually be to see your GP.
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:
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.
A haematologist is a specialist in the blood. To find the cause of your symptoms, the haematologist may arrange further tests, such as:
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 ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë can help.
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 ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.
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:
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 ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë can support you.
A non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:
Contact or visit your nearest ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë centre and together we will find the right support for you.
You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.
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.
We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.
Information about what lymphoma is, how lymphoma blood cancer develops, as well as support available.
From Lymphoma Action
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
Information about the type of blood cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments and side effects.
From Blood Cancer Uk
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
A page that highlights the different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the grades (how fast they grow), with more information about each.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
Information about what non-Hodgkin lymphoma is, the main types, risk factors, stages and common treatments available.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
An overview of the systems used for staging and grading non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and what each stage and grade means.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
Information about preparing for treatment, as well as treatment options and treatment plans, and follow-ups for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
Lymphoma Action's information on prehabilitation - preparing yourself mentally and physically for treatment.
From Lymphoma Action
Last reviewed: 21 April 2022
Find an online support meeting where people affected by lymphoma can share their experiences in a safe and confidential space.
From Lymphoma Action
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
From Lymphoma Action
Last reviewed: 27 September 2023
A free, downloadable booklet about Hodgkin lymphoma, including treatment and life after a diagnosis
From Blood Cancer Uk
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
Find information about Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of lymphoma blood cancer, from symptoms and causes to testing and treatment.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
Information about the specific and more general symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
Find out about Hodgkin lymphoma including how common it is, who gets it, what the different types are and what support is available.
From Lymphoma Action
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
Information about what Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is, the main types, risk factors, stages and common treatments available.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 21 November 2024
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