In short
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, with more than 14,000 UK diagnoses a year. The most common first sign is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin that lasts more than a few weeks. Heavy night sweats, unexplained weight loss, itching or fevers that come and go should also be checked. Hodgkin lymphoma is less common and often highly treatable.
There are two broad groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Many respond well to treatment. Some slow-growing types are monitored at first.
Which swellings should you get checked?
A lump that is painless, growing, or lasts more than a few weeks should be seen by a GP. Glands that come up with a sore throat and go down again are usually infection.
- Painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin lasting weeks
- Drenching night sweats
- Weight loss without trying
- Itching all over, or fevers that come and go
What are B symptoms?
Doctors call fevers, night sweats and weight loss ‘B symptoms’. They help stage lymphoma and can change treatment. Mention them even if the lump seems small.
Help a patient afford cancer care
Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Donate to cancer careIs Hodgkin lymphoma different?
Hodgkin lymphoma is less common and often diagnosed in younger adults as well as older people. UK five-year survival is around 85%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a mixed group with a wider spread of outlooks.
Key takeaways
- A painless gland lasting more than a few weeks should be checked.
- Night sweats, weight loss and fevers are important to mention.
- Hodgkin lymphoma is often highly treatable in the UK.
- Most swollen glands are not lymphoma.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty can put them out of reach. The Cancer Emergency Appeal raises funds towards clinically recommended care for patients who cannot pay; gifts go to the wider fund and do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Frequently asked questions
Does a painful gland mean it is not cancer?
Painful glands are often infection. Painless, persistent swellings still need a check. Pain does not completely rule cancer out.
Can lymphoma cause itching?
Yes, some people have widespread itching without a rash. It has many other causes too.
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
Usually with a biopsy of the gland, blood tests and scans such as CT or PET-CT to stage the disease.
Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026.
What are the sources for this guide?
Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page.