Since lymphoma is a type of blood cancer, it can cause symptoms anywhere in the body and affect any system. The most common symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Neck swelling, underarm swelling, or groin swelling
• Enlarged spleen
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Abdominal fullness after eating
• Abdominal swelling
• Lymph node enlargement
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme fatigue
• Low blood counts
• Itching

It is important to understand these symptoms can be due to many different conditions or diseases, and not just lymphoma. Any sudden onset could be an infection in the body. If your symptoms do not go away, then it is important to see a doctor.

There are two types of lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma. Prevails in young adults. This is a rare type of lymphoma characterized by lymph nodes that contain a lot of normal immune cells with a small number of large abnormal lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are damaged and odd-looking B lymphocyte cells that may cause swelling and inflammation. This type of cancer spreads in an orderly fashion from one group of lymph nodes to the next.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This is the more common type of lymphoma and has no evidence of Reed-Sternberg cellular activity. The cancer spreads in a non-orderly fashion throughout the lymphatic system.

The lymph system, or lymphatic system, is a main component of the immune system’s function in fighting off infections and diseases and helping to control the flow of fluids in the body. The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and collecting ducts. The lymphatic vessels drain fluid from the tissues of the body through the collecting ducts. Lymph nodes filter cancer cells, foreign particles, and damaged cells while fighting off infection with the help of lymphocytes. Lymph tissues are found all over the body and are made up of two kinds of lymphocytes known as B cells and T cells. Lymphoma occurs when the white blood cells in the lymphatic system begin to grow abnormally and reproduce in an out-of-control fashion. Researchers do not know the exact cause; however certain factors increase the risk for getting lymphoma. These factors are discussed in the following section.

Certain risk factors can increase the chances for lymphoma but this does not necessarily mean you will get lymphoma. Risk factors include:

Immunosuppressant medications. These are medications that lower your immune response. If you have had an organ transplant or take medications for an autoimmune disorder you have a higher risk.

Viral infections. Certain viral infections can trigger lymphoma. These include the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Some people also have H. pylori (a bacteria) in their stomach when diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Ionizing radiation. People exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation have a higher risk of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Medical x-rays, electrical power generators, and working with radioactive materials are all exposure sources of ionizing radiation.

Environmental exposure. Household chemicals and chemicals on the job may increase the risk of lymphoma. This is especially high with pesticide use.

Genetics. There are cases where a parent and child develop lymphoma, as well as siblings.

If you have lingering symptoms that appear to be an issue with the lymphatic system, you will need a thorough medical workup. The doctor will take a health history, family medical history, and ask about any medications you are taking. If the doctor suspects lymphoma, the following tests may be done:

Blood testing. Complete blood count to check for low blood cells.

Imaging. Computerized tomography (CT)  and PET (positron emission tomography) scans are used to check for the spread of cancer.

Biopsy. A piece of lymph node tissue will be removed and tested for abnormal cells.

Bone marrow biopsy. The doctor will puncture a bone and take a sample of the bone, including bone, marrow to look for cancer cells.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will proceed to stage the cancer to determine the best treatment.

Depending on the stage, you and your doctor will come up with the best treatment plan for you. Treatments include:

Chemotherapy. Drugs will be given to kill off the cancer cells in your blood and body. They come in either pill form or intravenous treatments. If you are at an early stage, the doctor may choose to also use combination radiation therapy with chemotherapy. There are side-effects including; loss of appetite, hair loss, nausea, problems with fertility, lung damage, and heart damage. Chemotherapy can also make you have a higher risk for leukemia.

Radiation. Radiation is directed at the body to kill off the cancer cells. In Hodgkin lymphoma, only radiation may be used, but in most cases, it follows chemotherapy. In early lymphoma, radiation may be the only treatment. Side-effects of radiation include hair loss, red skin, fatigue, thyroid issues, stroke, heart disease, and infertility. It can also put you at higher risk for breast cancer and lung cancer.

Stem cell transplants. Stem cell transplants are healthy stem cells that hopefully grow into healthy bone marrow. They will take your stem cells out and store them. You will go through chemotherapy and radiation to treat the cancer completely, then the stem cells are put back to hopefully grow into new and healthy bone marrow. This can also be given from a donor.

Research shows that alternative medicine may not cure lymphoma, but your doctor may be okay with certain complementary treatments to help your body fight cancer and improve your immune response. These include:

Probiotics. Helps replenish good bacteria and strengthen the immune system.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Reduces inflammation in the body. Not recommended for people on blood thinners.

Melatonin. May improve sleep during treatments.

Some cancer treatment centers have naturopathic physicians that may integrate herbal therapies or homeopathy into your treatment plan while working with your oncologist. They can recommend the best natural therapies for your case.

Hydrotherapy. Water therapy may help stimulate the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins.

Acupuncture. May help with pain relief, improve immune response and detoxify the body.

Talk to your physician before starting any alternative medicine for cancer. There can be drug interactions or something that may not fit with your treatment plan and cause unwanted side-effects.

Stage I. Very early lymphoma only found in one area of the body or one lymph node region.
Stage II. Two affected lymph node regions. It may also be in one organ, plus the lymph node region for that organ. Cancer has not yet spread.
Stage III. Found in most or all lymph nodes above and below the diaphragm. May also be found in the spleen at this time.
Stage IV. Lymphoma is found in several organs, lymph node groups and spread to the bones, lungs, or liver.
If you do or do not have symptoms of lymphoma the doctor will give it a grade:

1. No symptoms or only mild symptoms of lymphoma.
2. Very obvious symptoms of lymphoma.

Healthy lifestyle changes can help make managing cancer easier on your body and mind. Try these changes for an easier recovery and comfort:

See a nutritionist. During chemo and radiation, you may feel nauseous. Lymphoma can also reduce your appetite. To prevent malnutrition or weight loss, see a dietician for a specialized meal plan to help you meet your nutritional needs.

Quit smoking. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible after your diagnosis. If you don’t smoke, avoid secondhand smoke from others.

Reduce alcohol intake. Enjoy alcohol in moderation or on special occasions. Too much drinking will weaken your body and make it harder to recover.

Manage stress. Research has shown that stress can make cancer worse or cause recurrence. Try to find ways to manage stress like; take up a hobby, meditate, or talk to someone you trust. Don’t be afraid to ask for help around the house and take time for yourself every day.

With early diagnosis and treatment, people with lymphoma usually do well. The complications can include:

• Endocrine disorders – thyroid, adrenal gland, pancreas
• Neuropathy
• Cardiomyopathy
• Increased risk of infection
• Thickening of the air sacs in the lungs
• Secondary cancer from radiation and chemo
• Hodgkin lymphoma can turn into non-Hodgkin lymphoma

The United States National Library of Medicine has a database devoted to listing privately and publicly funded clinical trials that are being conducted around the world today. There are over 7300 studies for lymphoma currently listed on the database ClinicalTrials.gov. You can access the results of these clinical studies here.

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Appleby, A., Costello, M. & Rose, S. (1996, November 3). What are the sources of ionizing radiation? Retrieved from nj.gov: https://www.nj.gov/dep/rpp/llrw/download/fact03.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, May 29). Lymphoma. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lymphoma/index.htm

Douketis, J. D. (2020, November 20). Overview of the lymphatic system. Retrieved from Merck Manual: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/lymphatic-disorders/overview-of-the-lymphatic-system

Gopas, J., et. al.  (2016, November 10). Reed-Sternberg cells in Hodgkin’s lymphoma present features of cellular senescence. Cell Death and Disease, 7(e2457). Retrieved from Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/cddis2016185

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (2020).  Facts and statistics. Retrieved from Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: https://www.lls.org/facts-and-statistics/facts-and-statistics-overview/facts-and-statistics

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, April 10). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/non-hodgkins-lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375680