Lymphoma Australia
Services offered
Cancer information
Support from cancer nurses
Overview
Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas share some symptoms, including painless swelling in lymph nodes, fatigue and chest pain.
The causes of both groups of lymphomas aren’t known, but risk factors include a weakened immune system, a family history, or having certain infections such as hepatitis C.
What's on this page
What are the symptoms?
Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas share many symptoms. Symptoms can be mild, making lymphoma hard to diagnose. Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. However, if you have symptoms without any obvious cause, see your doctor.
Symptoms of each lymphoma
Symptoms of both types of lymphoma include:
- painless swelling in lymph nodes (for Hodgkin lymphoma, this is usually in neck, chest or underarms)
- fever*
- night sweats that drench the bed*
- unexplained weight loss*
- fatigue
- chest pain or coughing
- abdominal pain or swelling (for Hodgkin lymphoma, this symptom sometimes happens)
- chest pain and/or difficulty breathing (for Hodgkin lymphoma, this symptom rarely happens).
*Fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss are called B symptoms and are specific signs that doctors look for when diagnosing and staging lymphoma. These symptoms help doctors understand how advanced the lymphoma is.
What are the risk factors?
The causes of both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas are largely unknown. However, research shows that certain factors can increase the risk of developing lymphoma.
Most people with known risk factors do not develop lymphoma, and some people who do get it have no known risk factors. Lymphoma is not contagious. Some risk factors include:
Weakened immune system – The risk of developing lymphoma is higher if your immune system isn’t working properly. This can happen if you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or coeliac disease, or if you take medicines that suppress the immune system after an organ transplant.
Certain infections – Infections with some viruses and bacteria can slightly increase the risk of developing some types of lymphoma.
These infections include:
- Helicobacter pylori
- HTLV-1 (human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1)
- hepatitis C
- Epstein-Barr virus
- HHV-8 (human herpesvirus 8).
Family history – The risk is slightly higher if you have a close relative (e.g. parent or sibling) who has had lymphoma.
Breast implant associated cancer
Breast implant associated lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma linked to some textured breast implants. It usually grows in the scar tissue or fluid around the implant, not in the breast itself. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. Most people are treated successfully if it’s found early.
For more information about BIA–ALCL, visit Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and search “BIA–ALCL for consumers”. You can also talk to your doctor.
Relevant support
Leukaemia Foundation
Services offered
Cancer information
Financial support and information
Emotional support
+3
Find support services
Find the right services for your needs, wherever you are in Australia
Read cancer information
Trusted cancer information for all people affected by cancer
Need to talk to someone?
We're available 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)