The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, and a network of vessels that help fight infections, maintain fluid balance, and support immune defence.
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, an important part of the body’s immune system.
Lymphoma develops when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow and multiply uncontrollably and do not function normally. These abnormal cells can collect in the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, causing swelling, fatigue, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and other symptoms.
Although lymphoma often affects the lymph nodes, it can also involve the blood, bone marrow, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, skin, bones, central nervous system, and other organs.
There are many types of lymphoma, but they are broadly classified into two main categories: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Doctors determine the exact type of lymphoma through tests such as biopsy, blood tests, imaging scans, and laboratory analysis of cancer cells.
Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are both cancers of the lymphatic system, but they differ in how the cancer cells appear under a microscope, how they spread, and how they are treated.
One key difference is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are typically found in Hodgkin lymphoma but not in most non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
Feature | Hodgkin Lymphoma | Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma |
Age groups | Often affects young adults and older adults | More common in older adults but can occur at any age |
Spread pattern | Usually spreads in a more orderly pattern from one lymph node group to another | Spread pattern can be less predictable |
Number of subtypes | Fewer major subtypes | More than 60 recognised subtypes |
Cancer cell features | Reed-Sternberg cells are usually present | Reed-Sternberg cells are usually absent |
Treatment outcomes | Often highly treatable, especially when detected early | Outcomes vary depending on subtype, stage, and treatment response |
Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause similar symptoms, which may make them difficult to tell apart without medical tests.
Symptoms vary depending on where the lymphoma is located, how advanced it is, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Some people may have mild symptoms at first, while others may develop more noticeable signs.
Common lymphoma symptoms include:
Painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes, usually in the neck, armpit, or groin
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fever
Night sweats
Persistent itching
Shortness of breath if enlarged lymph nodes press on the chest
Frequent infections
Doctors use the term “B symptoms” to describe a group of symptoms that may suggest more active or advanced lymphoma.
B symptoms include:
Unexplained fever above 38°C
Drenching night sweats
Unintentional weight loss of more than 10% of body weight over six months
The presence or absence of B symptoms is important because it helps doctors stage lymphoma and plan treatment.
Swollen lymph nodes do not always mean lymphoma. In most cases, swollen lymph nodes are caused by infections such as colds, flu, throat infections, or other minor illnesses.
However, swollen lymph nodes should be medically assessed if they:
Persist for several weeks
Continue to grow
Feel hard or fixed in place
Are painless and unexplained
Occur together with fever, night sweats, weight loss, or ongoing fatigue
A doctor can assess whether the swelling is likely due to infection or whether further tests are needed.
Neither Hodgkin lymphoma nor non-Hodgkin lymphoma is automatically more serious than the other. The seriousness of lymphoma depends on several factors, including the subtype, stage at diagnosis, age, overall health, and response to treatment.
In general, Hodgkin lymphoma has high cure and survival rates, particularly when diagnosed early. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes many different subtypes. Some are slow-growing and may require close monitoring, while others are aggressive and need prompt treatment.
Some aggressive lymphomas, such as Burkitt lymphoma, can progress quickly but may still respond well to treatment. This is why accurate diagnosis and early specialist care are important.
The exact cause of lymphoma is often unknown. Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will definitely develop lymphoma, but certain factors may increase the likelihood.
Common risk factors include:
Age: Some types of lymphoma are more common in young adults, while others are more common in older adults.
Family history: Having a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with lymphoma may slightly increase the risk.
Certain infections: Infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C have been linked to certain types of lymphoma.
Weakened immune system: People with autoimmune conditions, those taking immune-suppressing medication after an organ transplant, or those with weakened immunity may have a higher risk.
Lymphoma diagnosis usually begins with a review of your medical history and a physical examination. Your doctor may check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, and examine whether the liver or spleen is enlarged.
Tests used to diagnose and assess lymphoma may include:
Blood tests help assess overall health, detect signs of infection, and measure substances such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which may be elevated in some lymphoma cases.
CT scans and PET scans help identify where lymphoma is located and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
A biopsy involves removing a sample of lymph node or tissue for laboratory testing. This is usually the most important test for confirming lymphoma and identifying its type.
Additional laboratory tests may be performed to study the lymphoma cells in more detail and guide treatment planning.
Treatment depends on the type and subtype of lymphoma, stage of disease, symptoms, and overall health. Some patients may need immediate treatment, while others with slow-growing lymphoma may be monitored closely before treatment begins.
Common lymphoma treatment options include:
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medication to destroy cancer cells and is commonly used for many types of lymphoma.
Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used in early-stage disease or together with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack lymphoma cells.
Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy focuses on specific features of cancer cells to stop their growth or survival.
Stem cell or bone marrow transplant: A stem cell transplant may be considered if lymphoma returns or does not respond well to initial treatment.
Monitoring: Some slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphomas may not require immediate treatment. In these cases, doctors may recommend close monitoring until treatment becomes necessary.
Swollen lymph nodes are often caused by infections and may improve on their own. However, you should seek medical advice if lymph node swelling persists, grows, or occurs together with ongoing symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or frequent infections.
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our oncology and haematology specialists provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and personalised treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Book an appointment with our oncology or haematology specialists for an accurate diagnosis and personalised care plan.
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