Overview

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's germ-fighting and disease-fighting immune system. Lymphoma begins when healthy cells in the lymphatic system change and grow out of control.

The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes. They are found throughout the body. Most lymph nodes are in the abdomen, groin, pelvis, chest, underarms and neck.

The lymphatic system also includes the spleen, thymus, tonsils and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all these areas and other organs in the body.

There are many types of lymphoma. The main subtypes are:

  • Hodgkin lymphoma (formerly called Hodgkin disease).
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Many treatments for lymphoma exist. The treatment that's best for you will depend on the type of lymphoma you have. Treatments can control the disease and give many people with lymphoma the chance of a full recovery.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:

  • Fever.
  • Night sweats.
  • Fatigue.
  • Itchy skin.
  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the belly, neck, armpits or groin.
  • Pain in chest, abdomen or bones.
  • Losing weight without trying.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional if you have any ongoing symptoms that worry you. Lymphoma symptoms are like those of many more common conditions, such as infections. The healthcare professional may check for those causes first.

Causes

Healthcare professionals aren't sure what causes lymphoma. Lymphoma begins with changes in the DNA of a disease-fighting blood cell called a lymphocyte.

A cell's DNA holds the instructions that tell the cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA gives instructions to grow and multiply at a set rate. Healthy cells die at a set time.

In cancer cells, the DNA changes give different instructions. The changes tell the cancer cells to make more cells quickly. The cancer cells can go on living when healthy cells would die.

In lymphoma, the DNA changes happen in the lymphocytes. The changes can:

  • Lead diseased lymphocytes to grow out of control.
  • Cause too many diseased lymphocytes in the lymph nodes.
  • Cause the lymph nodes, spleen and liver to swell.

Risk factors

Some factors can increase the risk of lymphoma. They include:

  • A weakened immune system. If the immune system is weakened by medicines or illness, there might be a higher risk of lymphoma. People with a weakened immune system include those taking medicines to control the immune system, such as after an organ transplant. Certain health conditions, such as infection with HIV, also can weaken the immune system.
  • Family history. People who have a parent, sibling or child with lymphoma are at higher risk of the disease.
  • Specific infections. Some infections increase the risk of developing lymphoma. Examples include Epstein-Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori and HIV.
  • Your age. Some types of lymphoma are more common in teens and young adults. Others happen more often in people over 55.

There is no way to prevent lymphoma.

By Mayo Clinic Staff