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What are the symptoms of lymphoma?

Lymphoma can cause various symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, excessive sweating, fever, rash, weight loss, frequent infections, bleeding, bruising, swollen abdomen, cough, chest pain, headache, nervous system effects, itchy skin lumps, and more, and may differ based on the type of lymphoma and the patient’s age.

The most common symptoms of lymphoma are: 

  • painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin or underarms
  • tiredness
  • excessive sweating or night sweats[13]
  • unexplained and regular fever[14]
  • rash or itchy skin
  • weight loss
  • loss of appetite
  • frequent infections
  • bleeding or bruising easily
  • swollen abdomen (as a result of swollen lymph nodes, a swollen spleen, lymphomas in the digestive tract or fluid buildup)
  • cough, chest pain or trouble breathing (as a result of swollen lymph nodes in the chest)
  • headache and nervous system effects (if the lymphoma is in the brain)
  • itchy red or purple lumps, patches or plaques on, or under, the skin (if the lymphoma is in the skin). 

Different types of lymphoma may cause other symptoms, and children may experience different symptoms than adults (see Cancer Australia Children’s Cancer).  

Hodgkin lymphoma may only produce mild symptoms at first, so it can be hard to diagnose at an early stage[15]. 

Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia (a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma) can also cause other symptoms including:  

  • weakness
  • vision problems
  • dizziness
  • pain, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  • confusion
  • heart, kidney and digestive problems. 

Children with non-Hodgkin lymphoma may experience symptoms including: 

  • wheezing
  • coughing
  • trouble breathing
  • trouble swallowing
  • swelling of the upper body, head, neck and arms. 

Many conditions can cause these symptoms, not just lymphoma. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. 

Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.

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