Cancer Lymphoma Symptoms Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Lisa Fayed Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD on November 23, 2020 linkedin Douglas A. Nelson, MD, is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist who previously served for 13 years as a physician in the US Air Force. Learn about our Medical Review Board Douglas A. Nelson, MD Updated on February 13, 2021 Print Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or NHL, is cancer that starts in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. The signs and symptoms of NHL are non-specific, meaning that the same set of symptoms can be caused by many different diseases. Thus, the diagnosis of lymphoma requires testing and is not based on symptoms, alone. GARO / PHANIE / Getty Images Frequent Symptoms It is common for people with certain types of low-grade NHL to experience no symptoms at all, but people with NHL may often have painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin as an initial finding. A person can certainly have swollen lymph nodes and not have lymphoma. However, if you find a swollen node, it is important to get it evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. Fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, bone, abdominal or chest pain, loss of appetite, itching, and nausea are other symptoms that may occur in time. Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may include: Painless, enlarged lymph nodes Fatigue Abdominal discomfort or fullness Chest pain, shortness of breath, or cough Easy bruising or bleeding Fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss Other Symptoms Depending on the area of the body affected, the symptoms of NHL vary. If lymphatic tissue in the thymus (large gland by the heart) is affected, it may cause chest pain. Coughing, respiratory difficulties in general, and shortness of breath can all be experienced if the tissue is in the chest cavity. This puts pressure on the trachea at times causing the symptoms. Additionally, since NHL can arise virtually anywhere in the body, symptoms that involve less common sites, or sites other than the lymph nodes, may arise. For example, primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a group of NHLs that involve the skin. Primary CNS lymphomas involve the brain or central nervous system. Alternatively, lymphomas can produce signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as dark bowel movements or symptoms of obstruction, such as pain in the abdomen. The abdomen may take on a pregnant appearance or become bloated. The swelling and build up of fluid sometimes cause a blockage around the intestines, making the passage of feces difficult. About 45%–65% of all cases of GI lymphomas are associated with abdominal pain due to a mass or bowel obstruction. Complications Although there are many different types of NHL, each with the potential for differing complications, one of the more common complications of NHL is having a weak immune system or being immunocompromised. This can result from the lymphoma, itself, but also from various treatments for lymphoma. The result is that you may be more vulnerable to infections. When to See a Doctor When you feel like there has been a departure from what is normal for you, whether it is succumbing to frequent infections, feeling run down all the time, or noticing a new bump under your skin, be sure to be seen by a healthcare provider. Keep in mind that any of the above symptoms, whether common or rare, may be signs for many other illnesses. It is important to be evaluated by a physician if you are experiencing anything that is abnormal for you, mentally or physically. A Word From Verywell Each person's journey in being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma is different. With some forms of NHL, you may have no symptoms at all. Although painless swelling of a lymph node is a common initial finding, it is possible for NHL to come to medical attention due to some other sign, symptom, or laboratory abnormality. Lymphoma is relatively uncommon, and, generally, if you have a swollen lymph node, lymphoma would not be the most likely diagnosis; however, a persistently swollen or enlarging lymph node should never be ignored. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cheson BD, Fisher RI, Barrington SF, et al. Recommendations for initial evaluation, staging, and response assessment of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: the Lugano classification. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(27):3059–3068. doi:10.1200/JCO.2013.54.8800 Shirwaikar Thomas A, Schwartz M, Quigley E. Gastrointestinal lymphoma: the new mimic. BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2019;6(1):e000320. Published 2019 Sep 13. doi:10.1136/bmjgast-2019-000320 Grulich AE, Vajdic CM, Cozen W. Altered Immunity as a Risk Factor for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. 2007;16(3):405-408. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.epi-06-1070