Does non-Hodgkin lymphoma cause night sweats?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of cancers affecting lymphocytes, a type of immune cell. Some people develop drenching night sweats along with swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fever, tiredness or weight loss. The pattern, duration and accompanying symptoms help a clinician decide what to investigate. Warm bedding, infection, hormonal changes, medicines, alcohol and other conditions can also cause sweating during sleep.

Make an appointment if night sweats are new, recurrent or soaking your clothes or bedding. Note when they occur, whether you have fever, swollen areas, itching, cough or fatigue, and list your medicines and recent illnesses. Keep the room comfortable and replace fluids after heavy sweating. Do not try to diagnose lymphoma from sweating alone.

Seek prompt medical advice for repeated drenching sweats, a growing painless lump, ongoing fever, marked fatigue or unexplained weight loss. Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, confusion, fainting or a rapidly enlarging swelling in the neck or chest. These signs can have different causes, but they should be assessed without delay.

Ask what might be causing the sweating, whether your examination or symptoms suggest blood tests or imaging, and which changes should bring you back sooner. Share any family history, recent infections and medicines.