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Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer which develops in the lymphatic system, an important part of the immune system.

Quick facts about lymphomaQuick facts about lymphoma

  • Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer which develops in a type of white blood cell known as a lymphocyte
  • Despite its name, lymphoma may also develop in areas other than lymph nodes
  • Over 14,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma each year in the UK, making it the most common blood cancer.

Types of lymphomaTypes of lymphoma

There are two different types of lymphoma:

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is caused by changes to B-cell and T-cell lymphocytes and is the most common type of blood cancer.  There are many different subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma which are divided into ‘B-cell’ or ‘T-cell’ lymphomas. These abnormal cells eventually become tumours that commonly form in the lymph nodes.

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Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Hodgkin lymphoma is a rarer type of lymphoma, accounting for less than 1% of lymphoma cases. Unlike non-Hodgkin lymphoma, abnormal B-cell lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells are present in Hodgkin lymphoma. The cancer is usually found at an early stage and typically spreads through the lymph nodes.

Signs and symptoms of lymphomaSigns and symptoms of lymphoma

As signs and symptoms for lymphoma can be similar to other common conditions, it’s important to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms below. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive a lymphoma diagnosis.

Symptoms may include:

  • Night sweats

  • Tiredness

  • Itchy skin

  • Loss of weight and appetite

  • Swollen, painless lymph nodes under the arms, neck or groin

  • Fever

  • Pain in the chest, coughing and/or trouble breathing

  • Chronic infection

  • Enlarged stomach due to swollen lymph nodes or spleen

Stages of lymphoma cancerStages of lymphoma cancer

The most common system used to stage lymphoma is the Ann Arbour staging system, which helps doctors understand what your cancer looks like.

This staging system uses information such as the number of lymph node groups affected to determine the stage of your lymphoma using the guidelines below:

Stage I lymphoma Stage II lymphoma Stage III lymphoma Stage IV lymphoma
Stage 1 Lymphoma

Stage I

Cancer cells have been found in only one group of lymph nodes.

Stage 2 Lymphoma

Stage II

Two or more lymph node groups have been affected which are localised to either the top or bottom half of the body.

Stage 3 Lymphoma

Stage III

Two or more lymph node groups have been affected in both sides of the body.

Stage 4 Lymphoma

Stage IV

Lymph node groups are affected as well as one or more organs, such as your bone marrow or liver.

Treatment for lymphoma

There are many different types of treatment for lymphoma. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions about lymphomaFAQs

Is lymphoma hereditary?

Research has found that having a family history of lymphoma can increase your risk of developing both non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma.

However, gene mutations that result in lymphoma are typically acquired (mutations that happen over the course of a person’s lifetime) rather than passed down through your family (inherited).

What are the risk factors for lymphoma?

Risk factors of lymphoma can vary for each type of lymphoma. They may include: 

Hodgkin lymphoma

  • Age – Being young (in your 20s) and being over the age of 55 can increase your risk of Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Gender – Males have a slightly increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma compared to females
  • Medical history – Having the virus which causes AIDS (HIV) or glandular fever (Epstein-Barr virus) can increase your risk of Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Family history – Having a family history of Hodgkin lymphoma (such as a mother, father or sibling) can increase your own risk.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

  • Age – Being older (over 60 years of age) can increase your risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Gender – Males have a greater risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, although there are some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma which are more common in females
  • Diet – High intakes of fat and meat in the diet can increase your risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Exposure – Exposure to chemicals such as herbicides or pesticides and benzene can put you at greater risk of developing lymphoma
  • Medical history – Having autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or some viruses such as HIV, Epstein-Barr virus or the HTLV-1 virus (Human T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma virus) are linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
What causes lymphoma?

The cause of lymphoma is not fully known, however there are some factors which contribute to the risk of lymphoma developing, including: 

  • Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals
  • Contracting the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV.
How common is lymphoma?

Over 14,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma each year in the UK, making it the most common blood cancer.

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