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Lymphoma
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Immune System

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system, which is part of the body's immune system, and includes both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types.

Overview

Lymphoma is a cancer of a part of the immune system called the lymph system. There are many types of lymphoma. One type is Hodgkin disease. The rest are called non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas begin when a type of white blood cell, called a T cell or B cell, becomes abnormal. The cell divides again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can spread to almost any other part of the body. Most of the time, doctors don't know why a person gets non-Hodgkin lymphoma. You are at increased risk if you have a weakened immune system or have certain types of infections.

Symptoms

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many symptoms, such as:

  • Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fever
  • Soaking night sweats
  • Coughing, trouble breathing or chest pain
  • Weakness and tiredness that don't go away
  • Pain, swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose lymphoma with a physical exam, blood tests, a chest x-ray, and a biopsy.

Treatment & Management

Treatments include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells
  • Biological therapy, which boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer
  • Therapy to remove proteins from the blood

If you don't have symptoms, you may not need treatment right away. This is called watchful waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lymph nodes that swell due to a common infection like a cold or sore throat usually shrink back down within two to four weeks as the infection clears. In contrast, lymph nodes associated with lymphoma often remain enlarged, feel rubbery or firm, and are typically painless. If you notice a lump in your neck, armpit, or groin that persists for more than two weeks, grows larger, or is accompanied by unexplained night sweats, fever, or weight loss, you should seek medical evaluation for a possible biopsy.
While there is no specific "lymphoma diet," patients undergoing chemotherapy are advised to focus on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to maintain strength and support immune function. It is critical to practice strict food safety to avoid foodborne illnesses, such as washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cooking meat to safe internal temperatures, and avoiding raw or undercooked seafood. Staying well-hydrated helps the body process chemotherapy drugs and manage side effects like constipation or nausea, and patients should consult their oncology team before taking any herbal supplements, as some can interfere with treatment efficacy.
Most cases of lymphoma are not directly inherited, and having a first-degree relative with the disease does not drastically increase your personal risk. However, certain genetic syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or ataxia-telangiectasia, can predispose individuals to various cancers, including lymphoma. While family history is a minor risk factor compared to immune system status or viral infections like EBV or HIV, it is worth mentioning to your doctor so they can monitor you appropriately, especially if other risk factors are present.
fter completing treatment, patients are monitored closely for relapse, which can occur months or even years later. Early signs of a return of the disease often mirror the original symptoms, such as the re-appearance of painless swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, or drenching night sweats. Generalized fatigue that does not improve with rest or new, unexplained abdominal pain should also be reported immediately. Regular follow-up appointments with blood tests and imaging scans are essential for detecting recurrence before it becomes symptomatic.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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