Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may not cause symptoms right away. Slow-growing lymphomas, also called indolent lymphomas, may not have symptoms until they grow very large. When lymphoma does cause symptoms, they can often seem like other health problems at first. This is because non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many different types of symptoms. It depends on where it starts in your body.

Here are some common symptoms of lymphoma:

• Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, groin, underarm, or above the collarbone

• Fever

• Feeling very tired

• Swelling in the belly (abdomen)

• Feeling full after eating only a small amount

• Upset stomach (nausea), vomiting, or stomach pain

• Coughing or trouble breathing

• Swelling in your head and arms (superior vena cava syndrome)

• Headaches

• Trouble thinking or moving parts of your body

• Itchy, red or purple lumps under the skin

• Infections that come back

• Abnormal sweating, especially at night

• Losing weight without trying

When to see your healthcare provider

Many of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. But it’s important to see your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms. Only a healthcare provider can tell if you have cancer.