Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in your lymphatic (lymph) system. The lymph system is part of your immune system.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may not cause symptoms right away. Slow-growing lymphoma, also called indolent lymphoma, may not cause symptoms until it grows very large. Aggressive lymphoma grows and spreads quickly. It can cause severe symptoms.
When lymphoma does cause symptoms, they can often seem like other health problems at first. This is because non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many different kinds of symptoms. It depends on where it starts in your body and the kind of lymphoma it is.
Here are some common symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
Swollen, often painless, lymph nodes in the neck, groin, underarm, or above the collarbone
Fever without an infection
Chills
Feeling very tired
Swelling in the belly (abdomen)
Feeling full after eating only a small amount
Upset stomach (nausea), vomiting, or stomach pain
Coughing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing
Chest pain or pressure
Swelling in your head and arms (called superior vena cava syndrome)
Headaches
Trouble thinking or moving parts of your body
Itchy, red or purple lumps under the skin
Infections that come back
Abnormal sweating, especially at night
Losing weight without trying
Easy bleeding or bruising
Many of these symptoms are more often caused by other health problems. Still, it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms. Only a healthcare provider can tell if you have cancer.