Lymphoma Information Network - Lymphoma Symptoms

Lymphoma Information Network - Hodgkin's Disease and the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas

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Lymphoma Symptoms

There are some symptoms for lymphoma but most if not all are not specific to lymphoma (they can point to oSther diagnoses such as infection or "Cat Scratch Fever"). Note - not all symptoms appear in all cases, again problematic on making a diagnosis easily.

Below are listed some symptoms and if they are indicative of a particular form of lymphoma (Hodgkin's Disease = HL, or a form of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma = NHL):

Lymph node swelling, often in the upper body area but it can be in almost any node or related lymph system organ. The node is usually NOT painful as opposed to infected lymph nodes which are common and can be painful
(HL, NHL)
A lack of energy, general fatigue. (HL, NHL)
Weight loss - usually at least 10% over a short time (HL, NHL)
Fevers which can come and go. This can be accompanied by chills or a feeling of temperature swings (HL, NHL)
Night sweats - unexplained sweating at night, often drenching (more often HL than NHL)
Itching - itching without an apparent cause or rash, sometimes deep in the skin rather than on the surface, sometimes on different parts of the body (more often HL than NHL)
Fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) for over one week.

Less Often:

Some people have lower back pain that is unexplained (may be caused by expanding lymph nodes pressing on nerves). (HL, NHL)
Lymph nodes are possibly painful after alcohol consumption. (HL)
Skin patches, lesions, itching (NHL of the skin / cutaneous)

What now?

A good percentage of diagnoses are made during routine tests, x-rays, or even while pregnant. This is how difficult it is to diagnose lymphoma based on external symptoms alone.

If you, a family member, friend, or loved one is suspected of having lymphoma, they should see a qualified medical professional like your own doctor.

To continue your quest for lymphoma information please see

Lymphoma Prognosis
Main Lymphoma Page
Childhood Lymphoma Page
or use the navigation buttons at the top or top left of the page.

If you would like to know more about the diagnosis of lymphoma see the following diagnosis pages:

[Adult Hodgkin's] [Adult Non-Hodgkin's]
[Childhood Hodgkin's] [Childhood Non-Hodgkin's]

Books:

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas - Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options by Lorraine Johnson, 1999, Chapter 1: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Living With Lymphoma, Elizabeth Adler, Oct. 2005, Chapter 2: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Other Resources:

More on Cat Scratch Fever by the Winn Feline Foundation

The information presented here is general in nature. You should seek the council of a qualified medical professional for information on your specific medical condition.