Depending on its location in the body, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) can cause a variety of symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands) in the neck, armpits or groin
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Excessive sweating, particularly at night
• Fatigue
• Itchiness

When NHL affects the tissue in the abdomen or stomach, common signs and symptoms include:

• Swollen abdomen
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Enlarged liver and/or spleen
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea 
• Vomiting

When the disease begins in the chest, common signs and symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Breathing difficulty
• SVC syndrome (narrowing of the superior vena cava [vein that returns blood to the heart from the upper half of the body] resulting in the swelling of the head and arms)

When the disease affects the brain, common signs and symptoms include:

• Headache
• Seizures
• Mental confusion
• Difficulty moving parts of the body
• Personality changes

Common signs and symptoms of lymphomas of the skin include itchy red or purple lumps under the skin.

Patients experiencing any of these symptoms are encouraged to contact their physician. The earlier non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is diagnosed, the better chance for successful treatment.