Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Symptoms

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms vary from person to person. They may include:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, groin or underarm
• Fevers
• Heavy night sweats
• Tiredness
• Weight loss without a known reason
• Severe itchiness
• Reddened patches on the skin
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• Coughing or shortness of breath
• Headaches, concentration problems, personality changes
  

Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma also often differ by the type of disease. Low-grade (indolent) non-Hodgkin lymphoma develops slowly. Patients may have painless swelling of lymph nodes (usually in the neck or over the collarbone) but appear healthy otherwise. The swelling may go away for a while and then return. If low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma spreads outside the lymph nodes, there may be discomfort in the affected area.

Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma grows quicker and tends to have more symptoms than low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms may include:

• Pain in neck, arms or abdomen
• Fever and/or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness in arms and/or legs
• Confusion
  

These symptoms do not always mean you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may also signal other health problems.