The most common early sign of lymphoma is lymph node swelling. However, swelling of the lymph nodes does not always mean a person has cancer.

Lymphoma is a general name for cancers that start in the lymph system. The lymph system consists of organs and tissues, such as lymph nodes, that hold infection-fighting white blood cells.

The most common early symptom of lymphoma is inflammation or swelling in at least one lymph node. Lymphoma-related lymph node swelling is more common in the armpit, groin, and side of the neck. Swollen lymphoma-related lymph nodes are often painless bumps or lumps at first.

There are two primary types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Read on for more information about the early symptoms of lymphoma, whether an early diagnosis is possible, and when to see a doctor.

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The most common early symptom of lymphoma is one or more swollen lymph nodes, often in the groin, armpit, and side of the neck.

Other symptoms may include:

  • fevers, chills, and night sweats
  • unexplained weight loss, 10% loss of body weight or more over 6 months
  • exhaustion
  • bruising or bleeding easily
  • frequent or severe infections

Depending on the body region lymphoma impacts, it can cause additional symptoms. Common symptoms of specific types of lymphoma include the following.

Symptoms of lymphoma in the abdomen:

Symptoms of lymphoma in the chest

  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • trouble breathing
  • chest pressure or pain

Symptoms of lymphoma in the brain

  • headache
  • trouble thinking
  • facial numbness
  • weakness
  • seizures
  • personality changes
  • double vision
  • trouble speaking

Lymphomas involving the skin tend to cause:

  • purple or red bumps and lumps under the skin
  • itchy skin
  • rashes

Symptoms of lymphoma can be local or systemic. Local symptoms impact one specific region of the body. Systemic symptoms affect the whole body.

Common local symptoms of lymphoma include:

  • loss of appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
  • vomiting or nausea
  • abdominal pain and swelling
  • cough, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing
  • chest pressure or pain
  • headache and trouble thinking
  • weakness
  • seizures
  • personality changes

Common systemic symptoms of lymphoma include:

  • fevers, chills, and night sweats
  • exhaustion
  • bruising or bleeding easily
  • frequent or severe infections
  • unexplained weight loss
  • bluish-red swelling in the arms, upper chest, or head (in severe cases)

While it is possible to detect lymphoma early, there are currently no screening tests. If a doctor is unsure of the cause of a lump, bump, or swollen lymph node, they may take a biopsy, or a small sample of tissues or fluids, for laboratory testing.

A doctor may also use imaging tests, such as MRI, CT scans, PET scans, x-ray, bone scans, or ultrasounds to help:

  • find a possible cause for the symptoms
  • determine the extent of lymphoma
  • determine if treatment is working
  • look for signs lymphoma has returned after treatment

People with risk factors for lymphoma should undergo regular medical check-ups.

Risk factors for lymphoma include:

The overall risk of developing lymphoma increases with age, with most cases impacting people 60 years or older. The risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma is greatest for people 15-39 years of age or 75 and older.

Many of the signs and symptoms of lymphoma are similar to those of other, often less severe, conditions.

However, A person should consider seeing a doctor as soon as possible if the following symptoms develop:

  • swelling of the lymph nodes or an unexplained bump or lump, in particular around the groin, armpits, and side of the neck
  • frequent or severe infections
  • unexplained weight loss that amounts to a 10% loss of total body weight or more in 6 months
  • unexplained chills, fever, or drenching night sweats
  • unexplained exhaustion or fatigue
  • bruising or bleeding easily
  • bluish-red swelling in the arms, upper chest, or head
  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • constant headache
  • problems thinking or speaking
  • personality changes
  • facial numbness
  • unexplained lumps and bumps under the skin
  • unexplained abdominal pain or swelling
  • nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
  • chest pain or pressure

Lymphoma is a general term for cancers that start in the lymph system or lymphocytes (white blood cells). There is no widely accepted test to detect lymphoma.

In some cases, however, doctors may diagnose lymphoma early. A swollen lymph node or lymph nodes are often the first sign of lymphoma. People with risk factors that increase the risk of developing lymphoma should receive regular, complete medical exams.