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Lymph swollen
Multiple lymph nodes swollen in my groin
Left leg swelling
Swelling in the neck
Have a fever
Fatigued
Periodic fever (>100.4°F / 38°C)
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Malignant Lymphoma?
A malignant lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the body's lymphatic system cells and can spread to other body parts. There are dozens of different kinds of lymphomas which are broadly categorized as "Hodgkins Lymphomas" and "Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas" (NHL). The different types are also classified by the cell type the cancer comes from and each different type of lymphoma has its own patterns of spread, treatments, and prognosis The most frequent symptom is swollen lymph nodes. Fevers, night sweats, itchiness, and fatigue can also be seen with lymphomas as can difficulty breathing or abdominal pain. Risk factors include age, family history, a weakened immune system from medications or illness, prior cancer treatments, viral infections such as Epstein-Barr and HIV.
Typical Symptoms of Malignant Lymphoma
- Swollen lymph nodes or lumps in the neck, armpits, groin, or behind the ears
- Swelling or water retention on one side of the body
- Neck swelling
- Swelling or protrusion under ribs
- Feels a hard lump in upper right abdomen
- Whole body pain
- History of HIV or AIDS
- Recurrent fever episodes
Diagnostic Questions for Malignant Lymphoma
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have any swollen lymph nodes or lumps in your neck, armpits, groin, or behind your ears?
- Is one side of your body swollen?
- Is your neck swollen?
- Do you feel swelling or protrusion under your ribs?
- Do you feel a hard lump in your upper right abdomen?
Treatment of Malignant Lymphoma
Treatment depends primarily on the lymphoma type and degree of spread, as well as the patient's overall condition. Treatment is almost always "systemic" -- to the entire body -- and may include a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and medication to ease symptoms as well as radiotherapy. Treatment rarely includes surgery. Transplants using stem cells or bone marrow cells are sometimes performed.
Reviewed By:
Robin Schoenthaler, MD (Oncology)
Board certified radiation oncologist with over 30 years experience treating cancer patients. Senior physician advisor for expert medical options in adult oncology. Published award-winning essayist on medical and health issues and more.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Swollen lymph nodes above collar bone
- Hoarse voice
- Swollen armpit
- Swollen lymph nodes continue to grow larger
- Swelling under ribs right side
- It moves when I touch the lump
- Sore throat
- Lymph nodes in the groin are swollen
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Throat pain
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit
- Swelling in right abdomen below ribs
- Multiple lymph swellings on my neck or armpit
- Lump on collar bone
- Throat hurts to swallow
See full list
Symptoms Related to Malignant Lymphoma
Diseases Related to Malignant Lymphoma
FAQs
Q.
Is it Hodgkin’s Lymphoma? Why Your Nodes Are Swelling & Medical Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. Most swollen lymph nodes are due to infection and improve within 2 to 4 weeks, but persistent, enlarging, firm or fixed, painless nodes especially with fever, night sweats, weight loss, or fatigue need medical evaluation since only a biopsy can confirm or rule out Hodgkin lymphoma, which is highly treatable when found early. For next steps, monitor briefly after a recent infection, see a clinician if swelling lasts or you have B symptoms, and seek urgent care for shortness of breath, rapidly enlarging neck swelling, high persistent fever, or rapid weight loss; see below for complete details that could influence what you do next.
References:
* Elenitoba-Johnson KSJ, Jaffe ES. Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Clinical Review. JAMA. 2020 Jul 28;324(4):372-383. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.10178. PMID: 32716584.
* Kamel G, Salama S, El-Sherbiny M. Hodgkin Lymphoma: Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment. Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2020 Sep 2;21(10):80. doi: 10.1007/s11864-020-00767-y. PMID: 32747970.
* Jain S, Patel D, Sarfraz T, Patel H, Patail H, Jain M, Ailani N, Patel M, Ailani S. Persistent Peripheral Lymphadenopathy: A Practical Diagnostic Approach. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2021 Jul;21(7):e579-e587. doi: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.01.006. Epub 2021 Feb 15. PMID: 33744211.
* Hingsammer L, Hutterer G, Steiner E, Höfler G. Histopathological diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. Virchows Arch. 2019 Jun;474(6):663-673. doi: 10.1007/s00428-019-02542-8. Epub 2019 Mar 15. PMID: 30877478.
* Zinzani PL, Carlo-Stella C, Zaja F, Broccoli A. Staging and risk assessment in Hodgkin lymphoma. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 2019 Mar;32(1):47-52. doi: 10.1016/j.beha.2019.03.001. Epub 2019 Mar 6. PMID: 31053424.
Q.
Is it Hodgkin’s Lymphoma? The Truth & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. Hodgkin lymphoma is less common than infections, but persistent, painless, enlarging lymph nodes with drenching night sweats, unexplained fever, or weight loss need medical evaluation, and only a lymph node biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. For medically approved next steps, see below, including when to watch for 2 to 4 weeks vs seek care now, what tests and staging to expect, and how early treatment leads to high cure rates, plus a helpful symptom check to prepare for your visit.
References:
* Advani RH, et al. Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Review of Diagnosis and Management. Blood. 2020 Feb 27;135(9):603-612.
* Evens AM, et al. Hodgkin Lymphoma. JAMA. 2022 Feb 8;327(6):574-575.
* Jaffe ES, et al. The pathologic diagnosis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Virchows Arch. 2020 Oct;477(4):539-555.
* Eichenauer DA, et al. Hodgkin lymphoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2022 Sep;33(9):884-902.
* Connors JM, et al. Advances in the Treatment of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. J Clin Oncol. 2023 Mar 10;41(8):1579-1589.
Q.
Is it Lymphoma? Why Your Lymph Nodes are Swollen & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more. Most swollen lymph nodes come from infections and shrink within 2 to 3 weeks, especially if they are tender, mobile, and follow a recent illness. Painless, firm, enlarging nodes lasting beyond 2 to 4 weeks or paired with fever, drenching night sweats, or unexplained weight loss warrant prompt medical evaluation, and the medically approved next steps below explain when to monitor, when to see a doctor, and how diagnosis is made, including when biopsy is needed.
References:
* Ferrer R. Approach to the Adult with Lymphadenopathy. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Feb 15;101(4):226-233. PMID: 32064115.
* Adolf D, Koscielny S, Adolf K. Lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019 Jan 11;116(1-2):12-22. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0012. PMID: 30671602; PMCID: PMC6370857.
* Evens AM, Sehn LH, Advani R. Diagnosis and classification of lymphoma: a guide for the general practitioner. Med J Aust. 2020 Mar;212 Suppl 6:S13-S19. doi: 10.5694/mja2.50521. PMID: 32185566.
* Chauvelot A, Aoudjhane M, Desseaux C, Cécile A, Trublet C, Cuny T, Thieblemont C, Lemal R. Lymph Node Biopsy for Diagnosis: Clinical Practice Guidelines. Cancers (Basel). 2018 Jun 8;10(6):179. doi: 10.3390/cancers10060179. PMID: 29884633; PMCID: PMC6027113.
* Leong M, Singh S, Wong D. Lymphadenopathy. Aust J Gen Pract. 2021 May;50(5):298-301. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-10-20-5695. PMID: 33917846.
Q.
Is it Malignant? Why Your Diagnosis is Scary and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Malignant means cancerous cells that grow uncontrollably, can invade nearby tissue, and may spread; it is serious yet often treatable, and your outlook depends on cancer type, stage, grade, and your overall health. Medically approved next steps include confirming the diagnosis with a biopsy and staging and reviewing your pathology report, seeing the right specialists, discussing treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted or hormone therapy, or active surveillance, and considering a second opinion, with urgent evaluation for rapidly worsening symptoms; there are several factors to consider, and complete details that could change your next steps are outlined below.
References:
* Horeman NL, Horeman T, de Groot L, van der Heide A, van der Rijt CCD, van der Eerden MM, Festen-Schrier LL. The experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research. Psychooncology. 2021 Jul;30(7):1005-1025. doi: 10.1002/pon.5663. Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34107080.
* Bultz BD, O'Connell BP, O'Connell J, Bultz J, D'Eon M. Communicating the cancer diagnosis and prognosis: Patient perspectives and preferences. Future Oncol. 2020 Sep;16(26):2027-2037. doi: 10.2217/fon-2019-0740. Epub 2020 Jul 15. PMID: 32675685.
* Hanna TP, King WD, Sullivan T, Campbell I, Booth CM, Caldwell C, Sutcliffe S. Principles of cancer diagnosis: A review of current approaches. J Clin Oncol. 2019 Jun 20;37(18):1581-1589. doi: 10.1200/JCO.19.00164. Epub 2019 Apr 26. PMID: 31055866.
* Lamb BW, Wong J, Vincent C, Green JSA, Sevdalis N, Brown K, Davies EA. Multidisciplinary team meetings for cancer: systematic review and implications for clinical practice. Future Oncol. 2018 Mar;14(5):455-470. doi: 10.2217/fon-2017-0487. Epub 2018 Jan 16. PMID: 29337039.
* Arora NK, Jacobsen PB, Hudson MM. The journey of cancer care: from diagnosis to survivorship. J Clin Oncol. 2021 Sep 1;39(25):2748-2757. doi: 10.1200/JCO.21.01121. Epub 2021 Jun 4. PMID: 34091646.
Q.
Hidden Swelling? Why Your Body is Alarmed: Lymphoma & Medical Next Steps
A.
Painless, persistent lymph node swelling that lasts more than two weeks, grows, feels firm or fixed, or comes with night sweats, fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss can signal lymphoma, even though many swollen nodes are due to infections. There are several factors to consider; prompt next steps include a primary care visit for exam, blood tests, imaging, and often a biopsy to confirm, and urgent care for breathing trouble, chest pain, rapidly enlarging neck swelling, high fever, or extreme weakness, with many lymphomas highly treatable when found early. See below for key details that can affect which actions and timing are right for you.
References:
* Leitch C, et al. Approach to Lymphadenopathy in Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 15;98(6):348-355. PMID: 30215758.
* Freedman AS, et al. Lymphoma: diagnosis and management. Blood. 2018 Dec 20;132(25):2718-2729. doi: 10.1182/blood-2018-06-857504. PMID: 30573539; PMCID: PMC6302484.
* Eichenauer DA, et al. Hodgkin Lymphoma. Oncology (Williston Park). 2020 Jul 15;34(7):279-289. PMID: 32668581.
* Sakharkar N, et al. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Mayo Clin Proc. 2022 Nov;97(11):2049-2065. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.08.019. PMID: 36334994.
* Arribas-López B, et al. Early Diagnosis of Malignant Lymphoma: A Review for General Practitioners. J Clin Med. 2023 Apr 1;12(7):2716. doi: 10.3390/jcm12072716. PMID: 37050014; PMCID: PMC10094770.
Q.
Lymphoma Symptoms in Women 30-45: Warning Signs & Next Steps
A.
In women 30 to 45, key lymphoma warning signs are painless, persistent swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, along with ongoing fatigue, recurrent low‑grade fever, drenching night sweats, and unintended weight loss; some may also have itchy skin without a rash, chest pressure or shortness of breath, or abdominal fullness. There are several factors to consider, and persistence or a combination of symptoms should prompt a medical visit; see below for the full list of red flags, when to seek care, and the tests used to confirm or rule out lymphoma, which could affect your next steps.
References:
* Molloy, T., Wyer, H., Hall, N., Hough, R., & McCabe, M. (2020). Systematic review of diagnostic delays in young adults with cancer. British Journal of Cancer, 122(9), 1279–1288.
* Sharma, S., & Shrestha, S. (2020). Challenges in the diagnosis of lymphoma: A review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR, 14(7).
* Cheson, B. D., Leonard, J. P., & Advani, R. H. (2018). Lymphoma: Presentation, diagnosis, and management. American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book, 38, 201–216.
* Janssens, A. C., Pijpers, J. A., Uyl-de Groot, C. A., Baars, J. W., & Erdkamp, F. (2014). Gender differences in symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 32(36), 4064–4071.
* Ansell, S. M. (2023). Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Review. JAMA, 330(2), 177–187.
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Hoshino Y, Yamada I, Shimano SI. Malignant Lymphoma Mimicking Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. Intern Med. 2021 Oct 15;60(20):3345-3346. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.7142-21. Epub 2021 Apr 19. PMID: 33867392; PMCID: PMC8580768.
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/internalmedicine/60/20/60_7142-21/_articleAisenberg AC. Malignant lymphoma. 2. N Engl J Med. 1973 May 3;288(18):935-41. doi: 10.1056/NEJM197305032881804. PMID: 4571349.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM197305032881804Aisenberg AC. Malignant lymphoma. 1. N Engl J Med. 1973 Apr 26;288(17):883-90. doi: 10.1056/NEJM197304262881705. PMID: 4348229.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM197304262881705Munakata W, Terauchi T, Maruyama D, Nagai H. Revised staging system for malignant lymphoma based on the Lugano classification. Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2019 Oct 1;49(10):895-900. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyz111. PMID: 31504700.
https://academic.oup.com/jjco/article/49/10/895/5555767