Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin.

Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands,are pea-sized lumps of tissue found throughout the body. Theycontain white blood cells that help to fight against infection.

The swelling is caused by a certain type of white blood cell,known aslymphocytes,collecting inthe lymph node.

However, it's highly unlikely you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma if you have Swollen glands , as these glands often swell as a response to infection.

These can include:

• night sweats
• unintentional weight loss
• a high temperature (fever)
• a persistent cough or feeling of breathlessness
• persistent itching of the skin all over the body

Other symptoms depend on where in the body the enlarged lymph glands are. For example, if the abdomen (tummy) is affected, you may have abdominal pain or indigestion .

A few people with lymphoma have abnormal cells in their bone marrow when they're diagnosed. This may lead to:

• persistent tiredness or fatigue
• an increased risk of infections
• excessive bleeding such as nosebleeds , heavy periods and spots of blood under the skin

When to seek medical advice

See your GP if you have any of the above symptoms, particularly if you have persistently swollen glands with no other signs of infection.

While the symptoms are unlikely to be caused by non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it's best to get them checked out.