Lymphoma
A cancer of the lymphatic system — the network of lymph nodes and lymphocytes that is part of the immune system. It often shows up as painless swollen lymph nodes, sometimes with fevers, night sweats and weight loss. Many types are highly treatable, and some are curable.
What it is
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and grows within the lymphatic system — the lymph nodes, spleen and other lymphoid tissue. It is broadly divided into Hodgkin lymphoma (which has a characteristic cell type and often affects younger adults) and the much larger group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which range from slow-growing (indolent) types that may need little treatment for years to fast-growing (aggressive) types that need prompt treatment but can often be cured. The commonest sign is a painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes — in the neck, armpit or groin — that persists. Some people also have 'B symptoms': unexplained fevers, drenching night sweats and unintended weight loss, which carry prognostic weight. Others notice tiredness, itching, or symptoms from an enlarged spleen or an internal mass (such as breathlessness or early fullness when eating). Blood tests are supportive rather than diagnostic — the diagnosis is made by taking a biopsy of an affected lymph node and examining it. Treatment and outlook depend heavily on the exact type and stage, but many lymphomas respond very well to modern treatment, and several are curable.
Key lab markers
- LDH — often raised in more active or aggressive lymphoma; used in prognosis and monitoring.
- Beta-2-microglobulin — can be raised; used for prognosis in some lymphomas.
- ESR — may be raised, especially in Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Full blood count — may show anaemia, or abnormal counts if the marrow is involved.
- Kidney and liver function, calcium, uric acid — assess organ involvement and treatment safety.
- A lymph-node biopsy and imaging (CT/PET) — the actual diagnosis and staging; blood tests only support.
Symptoms
- Painless swollen lymph node(s) in the neck, armpit or groin that persist
- Unexplained fevers
- Drenching night sweats
- Unintended weight loss
- Persistent tiredness
- Itching, sometimes all over
- Breathlessness or a feeling of fullness (from an enlarged spleen or internal mass)
Related symptoms
Related lab panels
When to discuss with a doctor
A lymph node that is swollen, painless and does not settle over a few weeks — particularly with unexplained fevers, night sweats or weight loss — should be assessed by a doctor, as these can be signs of lymphoma (though most swollen nodes are due to ordinary infections). The diagnosis rests on a biopsy, not blood tests, so the key step is examination and, if needed, referral for a node to be sampled. Blood markers such as LDH support assessment and monitoring but do not diagnose lymphoma. Many lymphomas are highly treatable and some are curable, so timely assessment matters. Mediora.AI can flag supportive patterns such as a raised LDH or abnormal blood counts, but persistent swollen nodes or B symptoms need specialist assessment by haematology; the diagnosis and treatment belong there.