Overview
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body.
The lymphatic system is part of your immune system.
Clear fluid called lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains infection-fighting white blood cells known as lymphocytes.
In non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the affected lymphocytes start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands).
The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.
The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin.
Who's affected
In the UK, more than 13,000 people are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma each year.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can occur at any age, but your chances of developing the condition increase as you get older, with just over a third of cases diagnosed in people over 75.
Slightly more men than women are affected.
What causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
The exact cause of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is unknown.
But your risk of developing the condition is increased if:
- you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system
- you take immunosuppressant medication
- you have previously been exposed to a common virus called the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever
You also have a slightly increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma if a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) has had the condition.
How non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed
The only way to confirm a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is by carrying out a biopsy.
This is a minor surgical procedure where a sample of affected lymph node tissue is removed and studied in a laboratory.
Treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma
There are many subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but they can generally be put into 1 of 2 broad categories:
- high-grade or aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma – where the cancer grows quickly and aggressively
- low-grade or indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma – where the cancer grows slowly and you may not experience any symptoms for many years
The outlook and treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma varies greatly, depending on the exact type, grade and extent of the lymphoma, and the person's age.
Low-grade tumours do not necessarily require immediate medical treatment, but are harder to completely cure.
High-grade lymphomas need to be treated straight away, but tend to respond much better to treatment and can often be cured.
The main treatments used for non-Hodgkin lymphoma are:
Overall, most cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are considered very treatable.
You can read more detailed information about the outlook for non-Hodgkin lymphoma on the Cancer Research UK website.
But there's a risk of long-term problems after treatment, including infertility and an increased risk of developing another type of cancer in the future.
Symptoms
Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin.
Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are pea-sized lumps of tissue found throughout the body.
They contain white blood cells that help to fight against infection.
The swelling is caused by a certain type of white blood cell, known as lymphocytes, collecting in the lymph node.
But it's highly unlikely you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma if you have swollen lymph nodes, as these glands often swell as a response to infection.
Other symptoms
Some people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma also have other, more general symptoms.
These can include:
Other symptoms depend on where in the body the enlarged lymph glands are (for example, swollen tonsils, a lump in the tummy, or skin rashes).
A few people with lymphoma have abnormal cells in their bone marrow when they're diagnosed.
This may lead to:
- persistent tiredness or fatigue
- an increased risk of infections
- excessive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skin
When to seek medical advice
See a GP if you have any of the symptoms on this page, particularly if you have swollen glands that do not go away after 6 weeks.
While these symptoms are unlikely to be caused by non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it's best to get them checked out.
Diagnosis
If you see your GP because you're concerned about symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, they'll ask about your health and may carry out a simple physical examination.
If necessary, your GP will refer you to hospital for further tests.
If you're referred to hospital, a biopsy will usually be carried out, as this is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Biopsy
A biopsy involves removing some or all of the swollen lymph node, which is then studied in a laboratory.
A biopsy is a small procedure or operation that can often be carried out under a local anaesthetic (where the area is numbed, but you're awake).
This may be performed by a radiologist using an ultrasound or CT scan, or as an operation by a surgeon.
In some cases, the swollen lymph node isn't easily accessible and a general anaesthetic may be required (where you're asleep).
A pathologist (an expert in the study of diseased tissue) will then check the tissue sample for the presence of cancerous cells.
If they find cancerous cells, they can also identify exactly which type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma you have, which is important for planning your treatment.
Types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
There are more than 30 types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The Macmillan Cancer Support website has detailed information on the different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Further testing
If a biopsy confirms a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, further testing will be required to check how far the lymphoma has spread.
This allows a doctor to diagnose the stage of your lymphoma.
Further tests may include:
- blood tests – samples of blood will be taken throughout your diagnosis and treatment to check your general health, the levels of red and white cells and platelets in your blood, and how well organs such as your liver and kidney are working
- chest X-ray – this can check whether the cancer has spread to your chest or lungs
- bone marrow sample – another biopsy may be carried out to see if the lymphoma has spread to your bone marrow; this involves using a long needle to remove a sample of bone marrow from your pelvis and can be done using a local anaesthetic
- CT scan – this scan takes a series of X-rays that build up a 3D picture of the inside of the body to check the spread of the cancer
- MRI scan – this scan uses strong magnetic fields to build up a detailed picture of areas of your body to check the spread of the cancer
- PET scan – this scan measures the activity of cells in different parts of the body, and can check the spread of the cancer and the impact of treatment; it's usually taken at the same time as a CT scan to show precisely how the tissues of different sites of the body are working
- lumbar puncture – using a thin needle, a sample of spinal fluid is taken and examined to see if it contains any lymphoma cells
Stages of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
When the testing is complete, it should be possible to determine the stage of your lymphoma. "Staging" means scoring the cancer by how far it's spread.
The main stages of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are:
- stage 1 – the cancer is limited to 1 group of lymph nodes, such as your neck, armpit or groin nodes, either above or below your diaphragm (the sheet of muscle underneath the lungs)
- stage 2 – 2 or more lymph node groups are affected, both either above or below, but just on 1 side of, the diaphragm
- stage 3 – the cancer has spread to lymph node groups on both sides of the diaphragm, above and below
- stage 4 – the lymphoma has spread beyond the lymphatic system and is now present in both lymph nodes and organs or bone marrow
Health professionals also add the letter "A" or "B" to your stage to indicate whether or not you have certain symptoms.
"A" is put after your stage if you have no additional symptoms other than swollen lymph nodes.
"B" is put after your stage if you have additional symptoms of weight loss, fever or night sweats.
In some cases, health professionals also use additional letters to indicate where the cancer first developed.
For example, "E" (extranodal) means the cancer developed outside the lymphatic system.
Grading non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Testing can also help health professionals decide the "grade" of the cancer.
There are 2 main grades of non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
- low-grade or indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma is where the cancer grows slowly, and you may not experience any symptoms for many years
- high-grade or aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma is where the cancer grows quickly and aggressively
Low-grade tumours don't necessarily need immediate medical treatment, but are sometimes harder to completely cure.
High-grade lymphomas need to be treated immediately, but tend to respond much better to treatment and can often be cured.
In some cases, low-grade lymphomas can develop into high-grade lymphomas over time.
Treatment
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is usually treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, although some people may not need treatment straight away.
In a few cases, if the initial cancer is very small and can be removed during a biopsy, no further treatment may be needed.
Your treatment plan
The recommended treatment plan will depend on your general health and age, as many of the treatments can put a tremendous strain on the body.
Discussions about your treatment plan will usually take place with several doctors and other health professionals who specialise in different aspects of treating lymphoma.
This is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Your MDT will recommend the best treatment options for you.
But you shouldn't be rushed into making a decision about your treatment plan.
Before deciding, you may wish to talk to friends, family and your partner.
You'll be invited back to see your care team for a full discussion about the risks and benefits of any treatments planned before treatment begins.
You can ask your care team if a clinical trial is available to take part in.
Wait-and-see approach
If the disease is low grade (slow developing) and you're well, a period of "watch and wait" is often recommended.
This is because some people take many years to develop troublesome symptoms and starting treatment immediately is often felt to be unnecessary.
If watch and wait is recommended, you'll be seen regularly for reviews and invited to come back at any stage if you feel your symptoms are getting worse.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma that involves using medicine to kill cancer cells.
It may be used on its own, combined with biological therapy, or combined with radiotherapy.
The medication can be given in a number of different ways, depending on the stage of your cancer.
You'll normally get chemotherapy through a drip directly into a vein (intravenous chemotherapy), as tablets taken by mouth, or a combination of both.
If there's a risk of the cancer spreading to your brain, you may have chemotherapy injections directly into the cerebrospinal fluid around your spine.
Chemotherapy is usually given over a period of a few months on an outpatient basis, which means you get treatment during the day and shouldn't have to stay in hospital overnight.
But there may be times when your symptoms or the side effects of treatment become particularly troublesome and a longer hospital stay may be needed.
If you're taking chemotherapy as tablets, you might be able to take these at home.
Chemotherapy can have several side effects, the most significant of which is potential damage to your bone marrow.
This can interfere with the production of healthy blood cells and cause the following problems:
- feeling very tired (fatigue)
- breathlessness
- increased vulnerability to infection
- bleeding and bruising more easily
If you experience these problems, treatment may need to be delayed so you can produce more healthy blood cells.
Growth factor medicines can also stimulate the production of blood cells.
Other possible side effects of chemotherapy include:
Most side effects should pass once your treatment has finished.
Tell your care team if side effects become particularly troublesome, as there are treatments that can help.
High-dose chemotherapy
If non-Hodgkin lymphoma doesn't get better with initial treatment (known as refractory lymphoma), you may have a course of chemotherapy at a stronger dose.
But this intensive chemotherapy destroys your bone marrow, leading to the side effects mentioned.
You'll need a stem cell or bone marrow transplant to replace the damaged bone marrow.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is most often used to treat early-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma, where the cancer is only in 1 part of the body.
Treatment is normally given in short daily sessions, Monday to Friday, usually for no more than 3 weeks.
You shouldn't have to stay in hospital between appointments.
Radiotherapy itself is painless, but it can have some significant side effects. These can vary, depending on which part of your body is being treated.
For example, treatment to your throat can lead to a sore throat, while treatment to the head can lead to hair loss.
Other common side effects include:
- sore and red skin in the treatment area
- tiredness
- nausea and vomiting
- dry mouth
- loss of appetite
Most side effects are temporary, but there's a risk of long-term problems, including infertility and permanently darkened skin in the treatment area.
Monoclonal antibody therapy
For some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you may have a type of medication called a monoclonal antibody.
These medications attach themselves to both healthy and cancerous cells, and signal to the immune system to attack and kill the cells.
Once the treatment is over the level of healthy cells goes back to normal over time.
You may be given monoclonal antibody therapy as your only treatment, or they're sometimes given in combination with chemotherapy to make the treatment more effective.
For some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you may continue having monoclonal antibody treatment regularly for up to 2 years after initial treatment, in combination with chemotherapy.
This can reduce the chances of the cancer coming back in the future.
One of the main monoclonal antibody medications used to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma is called rituximab.
This medication is given directly into your vein over the course of a few hours.
Side effects of rituximab can include:
- tiredness
- feeling sick (nausea)
- night sweats
- an itchy rash
- tummy pain
- hair loss
You may be given additional medication to prevent or lessen these side effects. Side effects should improve over time as your body gets used to rituximab.
Steroid medication
Steroid medication is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
This is because research has shown that using steroids makes the chemotherapy more effective.
The steroid medication is normally given as tablets or injections, usually at the same time as your chemotherapy.
You'll usually take the steroids for a few days or 1 week during each cycle of chemotherapy, and take breaks in between. This helps to reduce the side effects.
Common side effects of short-term steroid use include:
- increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain
- indigestion
- problems sleeping
- feeling agitated
On rare occasions, you may have to take steroids on a long-term basis.
Side effects of long-term steroid use include high blood pressure, weight gain, and swelling in your hands, feet and eyelids.
The side effects of steroid medication usually start to improve once treatment finishes.
Follow-up
After your course of treatment ends, you may have a repeat scan to see how well the treatment has worked.
Following this, you'll need regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of the cancer returning (known as a relapse).
These appointments will start off being every few weeks or months, but become less frequent over time.
For more information, see:
Your multidisciplinary team
During your treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you may see any of the following professionals:
- specialist cancer nurse or key worker – the first point of contact between you and the members of the care team
- haematologist – a specialist in drug treatments
- clinical oncologist – a specialist in radiotherapy
- pathologist – a specialist in looking at biopsies
- radiologist – a specialist in X rays and scans
- social worker
- transplant specialist
- psychologist
- counsellor
Complications
Some people treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma experience long-term problems, even if they have been cured.
Some of the main complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are described below.
Weakened immune system
Having a weakened immune system is a common complication of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and can become more severe while you're being treated.
But your immune system will usually recover in the months and years after treatment.
If you have a weak immune system, you're more vulnerable to infections and there's an increased risk of developing serious complications from infections.
It's important to report any symptoms of an infection to your GP or care team immediately, as prompt treatment may be needed to prevent serious complications.
This is particularly important in the first few months after treatment.
Symptoms of infection include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- headache
- aching muscles
- diarrhoea
- tiredness
- a painful blistering rash
Vaccination
You should make sure all of your vaccinations are up-to-date.
But it's important to speak to your GP or care team about this because it may not be safe for you to have "live" vaccines until several months after your treatment finishes.
Live vaccines contain a weakened form of the virus or organism being vaccinated against.
Examples of live vaccines include the:
Infertility
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause infertility. This is sometimes temporary, but it can be permanent.
Your care team will estimate the risk of infertility in your specific circumstances and talk to you about your options.
In some cases, it may be possible for men to store samples of their sperm and for women to store their eggs before treatment so these can be used to try for a baby afterwards.
Second cancers
Having treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma can increase your risk of developing another type of cancer in the future. This is known as a second cancer.
The risk of getting cancer is particularly increased after cancer treatment because chemotherapy and radiotherapy damage healthy cells, as well as cancer cells.
This damage can then cause the affected cells to become cancerous many years after treatment.
You can help reduce your risk of a second cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle through not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise.
You should report any symptoms that might suggest another cancer to your GP at an early stage and attend any cancer screening appointments you're invited to.
Other health problems
Treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma can increase your risk of getting certain conditions at a younger age than normal, such as:
Having a cancer diagnosis can also increase your risk of depression.
You should report unexpected symptoms, such as increasing shortness of breath, to your GP.