Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects your lymphatic system.
Your lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It helps defend your body against infections and keep fluid balance. Your lymphatic system is made up of several parts, including:
You have lymph nodes throughout your body, including in your neck, armpits and groin.
Lymphoma occurs when healthy cells in your lymphatic system become abnormal. They start to grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way.
There are 2 main types of lymphoma:
Symptoms of lymphoma can include:
Other symptoms can include:
The cause of lymphoma is not fully understood.
The risk of developing lymphoma can be increased by:
Even if you have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn't mean you will develop lymphoma.
If you have a lump or other symptoms of lymphoma, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination. This includes feeling for the lymph nodes in your neck, underarms and groin.
You may be asked to have some general tests, such as:
If you have a swollen lymph node or lump, you will probably be asked to have a biopsy.
A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample, which is looked at under a microscope. If cancerous cells are found, the type of lymphoma (Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin) will also be confirmed.
If lymphoma is diagnosed, more tests may be advised to work out the stage of the lymphoma. The stage means how much it has spread in your body. These extra tests may include a:
This information is important to help work out the best treatment for you.
If you have lymphoma, the type of treatment your doctors recommend will depend on:
The main treatment options for lymphoma are:
These treatments can be used on their own or in combination.
In some cases, you may need a stem cell transplant.
Your treatment may be managed by a group of health professionals called a multidisciplinary team. This team may include:
In some people with slow-growing lymphomas, doctors may suggest a watch and wait approach. This means that you will get regular check-ups and are only treated if the lymphoma starts to grow faster.
Like all cancer treatments, lymphoma treatments can cause a wide range of side effects and complications. But not everyone experiences the same side effects.
If you are being treated for lymphoma, some of your treatments may cause side effects. Here are some examples of side effects your treatment may cause:
These side effects are temporary. You can talk to your healthcare team about things you can do to manage them.
Lymphoma treatments can weaken your immune system, increasing your risk of infection.
If you are being treated for lymphoma and think you have an infection, tell your doctor straight away. Untreated infections can be very serious for people having cancer treatment.
Some lymphoma treatments can cause problems with fertility.
Ask your treatment team if you're at risk. In some cases, males may be able to store samples of their sperm, and females may be able to freeze their eggs to use after treatment is over.
People who've had lymphoma and some lymphoma treatments may be at greater risk of getting another cancer.
Some lymphoma treatments can cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). This is when you have tingling, numbness or pain in your arms or legs.
Currently, there is no way to prevent lymphoma and no routine screening tests.
You may feel scared, upset, anxious or overwhelmed if you have been diagnosed with lymphoma.
You can get support from your doctor and family and friends. Support and information are also available from:
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Last reviewed: March 2025
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