Signs and Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can cause different signs and symptoms, depending on the type of lymphoma and where it is in the body.

Common signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Some common signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever and chills
• Weight loss
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Swollen abdomen (belly)
• Feeling full after only a small amount of food
• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath or cough
• Frequent or severe infections
• Easy bruising or bleeding

B symptoms that affect NHL staging

Some people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma have what are known as B symptoms. They include:

• Fever that comes and goes over several days or weeks, without an infection
• Drenching night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss of at least 10% of body weight over 6 months

Symptoms of NHL by location

The signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma may depend on where it is in your body.

Lymph nodes

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause your lymph nodes to become enlarged or swollen. If a swollen lymph node is close to the surface of your body, it might feel like a lump or bump under your skin.

These swollen lymph nodes usually do not hurt. They are often located on the sides of the neck, in the groin or underarm areas, or above the collarbone.

If a lymph node swells because of NHL:

• It usually does not hurt.
• The lump might get bigger over time.
• New lumps might appear in other parts of your body.

If a lymph node swells because of infection:

•  It often hurts when touched.
•  It returns to its usual size after the infection goes away.

Most enlarged lymph nodes are caused by an infection, not lymphoma. This is especially true in children. Lymph nodes that swell because of infection are called reactive or hyperplastic nodes.

Other cancers can cause swollen lymph nodes, too. It’s best to contact your healthcare team if you have an enlarged lymph node, especially if you haven’t had a recent infection.

Abdomen (belly)

Lymphomas that start or grow in the abdomen (belly) can cause:

• Swelling or pain in the abdomen. This can happen because of enlarged lymph nodes or organs, such as the spleen or liver. It can also be caused by the buildup of large amounts of fluid.
• Loss of appetite and feeling full after only a small meal. This can happen if your spleen gets bigger and presses on your stomach.
• Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Lymphoma in the stomach or intestines can cause these symptoms.

Chest

When lymphoma starts in your thymus or in your chest lymph nodes, it may press on the nearby trachea (windpipe). This can cause:

• Coughing
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or pressure

SVC syndrome

A large vein called the superior vena cava (SVC) runs through your chest and carries blood from your head and arms back to your heart. Blood can back up when a lymphoma pushes on this vein. This is called SVC syndrome.

It can cause swelling and sometimes a bluish-red color in the head, arms, and upper chest. It can also cause trouble breathing. If blood flow to the brain is affected, it can cause changes in consciousness.

SVC syndrome is a medical emergency. It must be treated right away.

Brain and spinal cord area

Lymphoma can start in the brain or spinal cord. This is called primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. Other types of lymphoma can also spread to the brain, the spinal cord, or the tissues around them.  Lymphoma in these areas can cause:

• Headaches
• Trouble thinking
• Weakness in parts of the body
• Personality changes
• Seizures (sometimes)
• Double vision
• Facial numbness
• Trouble speaking

Skin

Lymphomas of the skin may be seen or felt. They often appear as itchy, red, or purple lumps or bumps under the skin.

For more details, see Lymphoma of the Skin.

When to see a doctor

Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have lymphoma.

Many of these symptoms are more likely caused by something else, like an infection. Still, contact your healthcare team if you have any of these symptoms. They can find the cause and treat it, if needed.