Â鶹ӳ»­

Lymphoma symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have no noticeable symptoms for a long time. However, recognizing potential warning signs can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Early signs and symptoms of lymphoma

These may be subtle and are often the first indications of lymphoma:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin
• Fatigue
• Fevers
• Heavy night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy, dry skin or a red rash

Late signs and symptoms of lymphoma

As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe or widespread:

• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• Feeling of fullness in the abdomen. This is caused by an enlarged liver or spleen.
• Coughing or shortness of breath, often due to enlarged lymph nodes in the chest
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating and confusion
• Weakness in the arms and/or legs

What does lymphoma feel like?

Lymphoma can cause different symptoms depending on the type and location of the disease. The most common sign is painless swelling of lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpit, or groin. These lymph nodes may feel firm or rubbery. Many people also experience deep fatigue that doesn¡¯t improve with rest, unexplained weight loss, intermittent fevers and drenching night sweats. Some may experience persistent itching without a rash.

If the cancer is in the chest, it might cause chest pain, a cough or trouble breathing. When it affects the abdomen, it can cause swelling, pain or a feeling of fullness. Since these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, it¡¯s important to see a doctor for proper testing and diagnosis.

Other conditions with similar symptoms

These symptoms are not always caused by lymphoma. Other conditions that share some of these symptoms include:

• Viral infections (like mononucleosis or HIV)
• Autoimmune disorders (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Tuberculosis or other chronic infections
• Other cancers, including leukemia or solid tumors
• Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis (for rash and itching)
• Thyroid disorders (for weight changes and fatigue)

Lymphoma risk factors

While lymphoma can affect anyone, certain factors may increase the risk:

• Sex: Hodgkin lymphoma is more predominant in males than females.
• Race: White people are more likely to contract the disease than other groups.
• Infections, including Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis) and HIV
• Immune system diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

Learn more about the risk factors for childhood lymphoma.

When to see a doctor

Patients should see a health care provider if they experience:

• Persistent or unexplained swelling of lymph nodes
• Fever, night sweats or weight loss that doesn't improve
• Ongoing fatigue or shortness of breath
• New or worsening neurological symptoms (confusion, weakness)
• Any combination of the above symptoms lasting more than two weeks.

Some types of lymphoma can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Visit our genetic testing page to learn more.