# Lymphoma: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma > Last reviewed: 2026-06-19 ## In short Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system — the network of glands and vessels that helps fight infection. The most common first sign is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. There are two broad groups: Hodgkin lymphoma (less common) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (more common). Cancer of the lymphatic system — the body's drainage and immune network. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. ## At a glance - ~14,000+: UK cases each year - Hodgkin · non-Hodgkin: Two groups - ~85%: Survival (Hodgkin) - Painless swollen gland: Most common sign ## What is lymphoma? Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system — the network of glands and vessels that helps fight infection. The most common first sign is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. There are two broad groups: Hodgkin lymphoma (less common) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (more common). Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system — the network of vessels, lymph nodes and organs that forms part of the immune system. Around 14,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma in the UK every year. It is the sixth most common cancer overall. Lymphoma encompasses more than 60 distinct subtypes, broadly divided into two main categories: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), which accounts for approximately 2,200 diagnoses per year and is characterised by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells; and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which accounts for approximately 12,000 diagnoses per year and covers a diverse range of cancers of B and T lymphocytes. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about lymphoma in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources, and examines the significant inequality in lymphoma treatment access between the UK and low-income countries. Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in lymphocytes — white blood cells that are part of the immune system. Lymphocytes travel through the lymphatic system and are found in the lymph nodes (glands), spleen, thymus, bone marrow and blood. When lymphocytes become malignant, they multiply uncontrollably and accumulate in lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissue, causing the characteristic swollen glands of lymphoma. The distinction between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is based on the specific type of abnormal cell: Hodgkin lymphoma is defined by the presence of a distinctive large cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. All other lymphomas are classified as non-Hodgkin. NHL itself encompasses over 60 subtypes, the most common of which are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. In the UK, Hodgkin lymphoma has a five-year survival rate exceeding 85% and is curable in the majority of patients. In low- and middle-income countries, HL cure rates are considerably lower — not because HL is biologically different, but because multi-drug chemotherapy requires sustained drug supply, hospital infrastructure, infection management and specialist haematology expertise that are frequently unavailable in poor-country settings. Burkitt lymphoma — an aggressive NHL subtype caused by EBV and malaria co-infection — is the most common childhood cancer in sub-Saharan Africa and is closely linked to poverty and malaria exposure. While Burkitt lymphoma is curable with chemotherapy, treatment infrastructure in endemic regions is severely limited. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including lymphoma — for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. Your donation helps ensure patients who cannot afford care receive it. ## When should you see a doctor about lymphoma? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin that lasts more than a few weeks - Heavy, drenching night sweats - Unexplained weight loss - Persistent itching across the body - Fevers that come and go, or feeling constantly tired ## What are the symptoms of lymphoma? The most common presenting symptom of lymphoma is a painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes — most often in the neck, armpits or groin. In Hodgkin lymphoma, enlarged lymph nodes may become painful after drinking alcohol — an unusual but classic feature. The NHS advises seeing your GP if you notice: persistent enlarged lymph nodes lasting more than six weeks; unexplained fatigue; unexplained weight loss; night sweats; itching; breathlessness; or unexplained fever. The combination of drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss of more than 10% of body weight in six months, and fever above 38°C are known as 'B symptoms' and are an important staging feature that influences treatment planning in both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. ## What are diagnosis and staging? Lymphoma is diagnosed through an excision or core needle biopsy of an enlarged lymph node — not from imaging alone. The biopsy material is examined by a pathologist and undergoes immunohistochemistry and molecular testing to determine the exact lymphoma subtype. A PET-CT scan (or CT scan) is used for staging — assessing the extent of disease in the lymph nodes and other organs. Bone marrow biopsy is performed for some subtypes to assess bone marrow involvement. Lymphoma is staged from Stage I to Stage IV based on how many lymph node regions are involved and whether disease is above or below the diaphragm, on one or both sides of the body, or has spread to other organs. The Ann Arbor staging system is most widely used. B symptoms, as well as blood tests (LDH, beta-2 microglobulin, full blood count), contribute to prognostic scoring. ## What treatment options are available? Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers. The standard first-line treatment for classical HL is the ABVD chemotherapy regimen (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) with or without radiotherapy. For relapsed or refractory HL, brentuximab vedotin and pembrolizumab are newer targeted and immunotherapy options, with autologous stem cell transplant for eligible patients. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment depends entirely on the specific subtype. For aggressive subtypes such as DLBCL, R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy (rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone) is the standard first-line treatment — curing approximately 60–65% of patients. For indolent subtypes such as follicular lymphoma, a watch-and-wait approach may be appropriate initially; treatment with rituximab ± chemotherapy is used when the disease requires intervention. CAR-T cell therapy is available for relapsed/refractory DLBCL and large B-cell lymphomas. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on lymphoma for patients, families and donors. - Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system affecting around 14,000 people in the UK per year. There are two main categories: Hodgkin lymphoma (approximately 2,200/yr) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (approximately 12,000/yr). - The most common presenting symptom is a painless swollen lymph node — in the neck, armpit or groin — lasting more than six weeks. Report this to your GP. - Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers — five-year survival exceeds 85%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival varies widely by subtype, from approximately 85% for follicular lymphoma to around 60–65% for DLBCL. - Modern treatments include R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy for aggressive NHL and ABVD chemotherapy for HL — both available on the NHS — along with CAR-T cell therapy for relapsed/refractory disease. - In low-income countries, lymphoma cure rates are significantly lower because sustained chemotherapy, specialist haematology and supportive care are largely inaccessible to poor patients. ## What will a donation for lymphoma treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Typical partner costs start at £10 for tests and £50 for a chemotherapy session. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. - £10 — Diagnostic tests that help a partner oncologist confirm the next step - £25 — Cancer medication towards a treatment cycle a family cannot afford - £50 — One chemotherapy session for a patient who would otherwise be turned away - £100 — Surgical support or a fuller block of treatment costs ## How can I donate to help people with lymphoma? Donate by card on this page or at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK CIO with Charity Commission registration in progress; Gift Aid applies once registration is granted. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is lymphoma? Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes — white blood cells of the immune system — causing them to multiply uncontrollably and accumulate in lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissue. It is broadly divided into Hodgkin lymphoma (defined by Reed-Sternberg cells) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (over 60 subtypes). Around 14,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma in the UK each year. ### What are the symptoms of lymphoma? According to the NHS, symptoms include: persistent painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin lasting over six weeks; unexplained fatigue; drenching night sweats; unexplained weight loss; fever; itching; breathlessness; or a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen (enlarged spleen). In Hodgkin lymphoma, alcohol-induced pain in enlarged lymph nodes is a characteristic though uncommon feature. ### What is the difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is defined by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells — distinctive abnormal B lymphocytes — and is most common in young adults and older people over 75. It has a predictable pattern of spread and is highly curable. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) encompasses over 60 subtypes of B and T lymphocyte cancers, with widely varying behaviours from indolent (slow-growing, often incurable but manageable) to highly aggressive. NHL is more common overall, with approximately 12,000 UK diagnoses per year versus 2,200 for HL. ### How common is lymphoma in the UK? Around 14,200 people are diagnosed with lymphoma in the UK every year — approximately 2,200 with Hodgkin lymphoma and 12,000 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. NHL is the sixth most common cancer overall. Lymphoma is the most common cancer in young adults aged 15–34 (HL specifically). Incidence has been rising over recent decades. ### What causes lymphoma? The exact cause of most lymphomas is unknown, but several risk factors are established. These include: immunosuppression (HIV, organ transplantation, long-term immunosuppressive medication); autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome; infections — Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly linked to HL and Burkitt lymphoma, H. pylori to MALT lymphoma, hepatitis C to some NHL subtypes; previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy; and family history of lymphoma. ### Who is at risk of lymphoma? Risk factors include: immunosuppression; HIV infection; previous organ transplantation; autoimmune diseases; EBV infection; obesity; older age (NHL); being a young adult (HL); and a family history of lymphoma. People who have previously received chemotherapy or radiotherapy for another cancer have an elevated risk of secondary lymphoma. Most lymphoma patients have no identifiable risk factor. ### How is lymphoma diagnosed? Diagnosis requires a biopsy — excision or core needle biopsy of an enlarged lymph node — examined by a pathologist with immunohistochemistry and molecular testing to identify the exact subtype. Blood tests, full blood count, LDH and beta-2 microglobulin provide prognostic information. Staging CT or PET-CT scan assesses the extent of disease. Bone marrow biopsy is performed for specific subtypes to assess marrow involvement. ### What is a lymph node biopsy? A lymph node biopsy is the definitive diagnostic procedure for lymphoma. An enlarged lymph node is removed whole (excision biopsy) or sampled using a thick needle (core needle biopsy) under local or general anaesthetic. The tissue is sent to a haematopathologist who determines whether lymphoma is present, identifies the subtype, and performs molecular tests (FISH, PCR) to identify specific gene mutations or translocations. A biopsy is essential — lymphoma cannot be diagnosed reliably from imaging alone. ### What are the stages of lymphoma? Lymphoma is staged I–IV using the Ann Arbor system. Stage I: involvement of a single lymph node region or single extralymphatic site. Stage II: involvement of two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm. Stage III: lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm. Stage IV: involvement of one or more extralymphatic organs (bone marrow, liver, lungs). B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss) add the suffix 'B' to the stage and indicate a worse prognosis. ### What is the treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma? The standard first-line treatment for classical Hodgkin lymphoma is ABVD chemotherapy (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) — given as intravenous infusions every two weeks. Radiotherapy is added for early-stage disease with bulky disease or inadequate chemotherapy response. For relapsed or refractory HL, brentuximab vedotin, pembrolizumab and high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant are used. Five-year survival for all HL stages combined exceeds 85%. ### What is the treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Treatment depends on the specific NHL subtype. Aggressive subtypes (e.g. DLBCL): R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) every 3 weeks for 6 cycles, achieving cure in approximately 60–65% of patients. Relapsed/refractory DLBCL: CAR-T cell therapy (axicabtagene ciloleucel, tisagenlecleucel) available on the NHS. Indolent subtypes (e.g. follicular lymphoma): watch and wait for asymptomatic disease; rituximab ± chemotherapy when treatment is needed. CLL-type treatments are used for small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). ### What is the survival rate for lymphoma? Survival varies significantly by type. Hodgkin lymphoma: approximately 87% five-year survival for all stages. Follicular NHL: approximately 85% ten-year survival (though rarely curative, it is manageable for many years). DLBCL: approximately 60–65% five-year survival. Mantle cell lymphoma: approximately 50–60% five-year survival. Burkitt lymphoma: approximately 50–70% in adults with intensive chemotherapy. Overall five-year survival for lymphoma in England is approximately 73%. ### Is lymphoma curable? Hodgkin lymphoma is curable in the majority of patients — five-year survival exceeds 85%. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) — the most common aggressive NHL — is cured in approximately 60–65% of patients with R-CHOP chemotherapy. Follicular lymphoma and other indolent NHLs are generally considered incurable with standard therapy, but patients often live for decades with a good quality of life. CAR-T cell therapy has produced complete and potentially curative responses in some patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. ### What is DLBCL? Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common NHL subtype, accounting for approximately 30–35% of all NHL diagnoses in the UK. It is an aggressive lymphoma that requires prompt treatment but is potentially curable. Standard treatment is R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy (6 cycles). Approximately 60–65% of patients achieve long-term remission. For relapsed/refractory disease, CAR-T cell therapy (axicabtagene ciloleucel) is available on the NHS for eligible patients. ### What is follicular lymphoma? Follicular lymphoma is the most common indolent (slow-growing) NHL, accounting for approximately 20–25% of all NHL diagnoses. It arises from follicular B cells and is characterised by a pattern of remission and relapse over many years. Most patients are not cured with standard therapy, but the natural history is prolonged — median survival exceeds 15 years. Early-stage asymptomatic follicular lymphoma is typically managed with watch and wait; treatment with rituximab ± chemotherapy is started when symptoms or significant disease progression occur. ### Can lymphoma come back after treatment? Yes. Relapse risk depends on the lymphoma subtype and response to initial treatment. Aggressive lymphomas such as DLBCL that relapse after R-CHOP are treated with salvage chemotherapy and, in eligible patients, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant or CAR-T cell therapy. Indolent lymphomas such as follicular lymphoma characteristically relapse over many years, with each relapse treated with different chemoimmunotherapy regimens. Prolonged follow-up is maintained for all lymphoma patients. ### Is lymphoma hereditary? Most lymphomas are not directly inherited. However, a family history of lymphoma does moderately increase risk, and certain inherited immune deficiencies increase susceptibility. Specific inherited gene mutations are not routinely tested for in lymphoma (unlike breast or ovarian cancer). Having a first-degree relative with lymphoma roughly doubles the risk, though absolute risk remains low. Genetic counselling referral is appropriate for families with multiple affected members. ### What is the difference between lymphoma and leukaemia? Both lymphoma and leukaemia are cancers of white blood cells. Leukaemia primarily affects the blood and bone marrow, with large numbers of abnormal cells circulating in the bloodstream. Lymphoma primarily affects the lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue, causing solid tumour masses of abnormal lymphocytes. The distinction is not always absolute — some lymphomas (such as CLL/SLL) have leukaemic phases and some leukaemias (such as T-cell ALL) can present with lymph node involvement. ### Does lymphoma affect children? Yes. Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common cancer in teenagers and young adults (15–24 years) in the UK. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children most commonly presents as Burkitt lymphoma (highly aggressive but often curable) or lymphoblastic lymphoma. Childhood lymphoma is treated at specialist paediatric oncology centres. Five-year survival for childhood HL is approximately 95%; for childhood NHL it is approximately 80–90% with modern treatment. ### How does lymphoma affect people in developing countries? In low- and middle-income countries, lymphoma outcomes are substantially worse than in the UK. R-CHOP for DLBCL, ABVD for Hodgkin lymphoma, rituximab and CAR-T cell therapy are either unavailable or unaffordable for poor patients. Burkitt lymphoma — linked to EBV and malaria co-infection — is the most common childhood cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, where treatment infrastructure is severely constrained. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists, helping to close this treatment gap. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — Cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.