Does non-Hodgkin lymphoma cause swollen lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are small immune-system structures found in areas such as the neck, armpits, chest, and groin. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma develops from abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and can enlarge nodes as those cells collect there. The nodes may feel enlarged and are often not painful, but tenderness can occur.

Other possible features include persistent fever, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, itching, unusual tiredness, or swelling in several areas. Enlarged nodes may also result from infections or inflammatory conditions. Their size, texture, location, duration, and accompanying symptoms help a clinician decide what assessment is needed.

Book a medical appointment if a swollen node does not settle, continues to enlarge, feels hard or fixed, or appears without a clear recent infection. Tell the clinician where it is, when you first noticed it, whether it is painful, and whether you have had fever, night sweats, itching, tiredness, or appetite changes.

The assessment may include an examination of the node and nearby areas. Depending on the findings, a clinician may recommend blood tests, imaging, or sampling a node so its cells can be examined. Avoid repeatedly squeezing the node, because this can irritate the surrounding tissue and make changes harder to judge.

Seek urgent help for a swollen node with difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing neck or chest swelling, severe weakness, fainting, confusion, or persistent vomiting. These symptoms need prompt assessment because pressure or another acute illness may be affecting essential body functions.

Ask whether the node’s location and physical features suggest an infection, inflammation, lymphoma, or another cause. Useful questions include which tests are recommended, whether more than one area needs examination, how to monitor the node, when results should be discussed, and which changes should lead you to seek urgent care.