Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that has been linked to chemicals in commonly used products. It is easy to overlook non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms because they seem, at first, like no big deal. Understanding your risks and what to look for is important. The earlier you get treatment, the better the outcome.
After your diagnosis, you’ll likely start working with a doctor who specializes in blood cancers to discuss your different treatment options. See what else you can expect after a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.
Learn about the costs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatments and about financial resources that can help in your situation.
Explore ways you can care for a loved one with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and provide meaningful support at every step.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma signs and symptoms are easy to miss. You might think you have a lingering cold, bad flu or that you’re just tired or run down.
Don’t dismiss early-stage symptoms. It’s better to ask and find out you have nothing to worry about than to ignore them.
What are the non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms to look out for? Swelling of glands in your neck, groin or underarm is the most common early sign. If you have fevers, a cough, night sweats, rashes or dry skin that won’t go away, take them seriously. You might lose weight without trying or feel tired all the time.
Discovering non-Hodgkin lymphoma early gives you more treatment options and can help lead to a better outcome. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can attack a woman’s reproductive organs. These signs are easy to mistake for something else. See a doctor right away if you experience:
Pain or pressure in your pelvis
Unusual bleeding during your period, between cycles, or after you’ve gone through menopause
Pain during sex
Men are most likely to experience common non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms such as:
Painless swelling in your neck, armpit or groin
Always feeling tired
Fevers and night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Chest pressure or pain
Cough or feeling short of breath
Swelling in the belly area
The signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children may be associated with the cold or flu. Be on the lookout for:
Swollen lymph nodes
Coughing or difficulty breathing
Feeling full even if they eat only a small amount of food
Unexplained weight loss
Stomach pain or vomiting
Fever
Night sweats
Feeling tired all the time
How do you get non-Hodgkin lymphoma? When you understand who is at risk, you can watch out for symptoms you might otherwise ignore. Pinpointing what causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma isn’t easy. Several risk factors include:
Age: While you can get non-Hodgkin lymphoma at any age, people over age 60 are most likely to get this kind of cancer.
Age: While you can get non-Hodgkin lymphoma at any age, people over age 60 are most likely to get this kind of cancer.
Gender: Men have a slightly higher risk of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma than women.
Family history: You can inherit genes from a close family member that increase your risk of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Exposure to certain chemicals: Dangerous chemicals in pesticides may be linked to a higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Radiation exposure: Survivors of a nuclear bomb or nuclear reactor accident can be exposed to radiation that increases non-Hodgkin lymphoma risks. If you get radiation treatment for a different kind of cancer, you might also face a higher risk.
Infections: The Epstein-Barr virus and certain bacteria can put you at risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Weak immune system: If you have a disease like HIV/AIDS or take drugs after an organ transplant, you may be at risk of getting certain kinds of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Getting exposed to dangerous chemicals, harmful substances and radiation increases your risk of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma. If you work in any of the following industries or settings, you should be on the lookout for symptoms:
Farmers and agricultural workers: You may be exposed to harmful chemicals in pesticides and herbicides. Planting, treating, harvesting and processing crops puts you in direct contact with these substances.
Textile workers: If you work with natural and synthetic textiles and fabrics, as well as with leather, you have over twice the risk of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Painters and construction workers: You may be exposed to asbestos, dust and chemical fumes that can increase your cancer risk.
Hairdressers and beauticians: If you work in this field, you come into close contact with hair dyes, chemical straighteners and cosmetic ingredients linked to higher cancer risks.
Healthcare workers: Health professionals can be exposed to high levels of radiation in administering cancer therapies and in imaging, which can lead to higher cancer rates.
Factory workers: Working in factories that make products containing dangerous chemicals or that use solvents and dyes to produce products may increase your non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk.
Written by:
Lisa Merriam is an experienced copywriter specializing in medical content, combining technical precision with clarity to ensure articles are accessible and accurate.
Medical review by:
Dr. Sarmiento is a physician, consultant, and entrepreneur with a diverse background in surgery, public health, and business. His experience includes solving complex problems in healthcare and beyond, with a strong focus on personalized, preventive medicine.
Legal review by:
Sean Duddy is a seasoned attorney with a strong background in technology and litigation. He specializes in mass torts and class action cases. He is recognized for his innovative approach to legal challenges, having developed platforms to manage large-scale arbitrations and secure substantial settlements.
