What should you know about lymphoma and liver function?

Liver function testing usually includes several blood measurements. Some reflect irritation or injury to liver cells; others provide clues about bile flow or the liver's ability to make proteins. An abnormal result does not identify one cause by itself. Lymphoma in the liver, enlarged lymph nodes pressing on bile ducts, infection, alcohol, other medicines, and unrelated liver conditions can all be considered.

Liver involvement may occur with or without symptoms. Possible signs include yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, itching, abdominal swelling, nausea, or discomfort under the ribs. [Night Sweats](/symptoms/night-sweats/) can occur with lymphoma, but they do not show whether liver function is abnormal.

Bring a complete list of prescribed medicines, supplements, and non-prescription pain relievers to each review. Your team may repeat blood tests, examine you, or arrange a [PET-CT Scan](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/pet-ct-scan/) or other imaging to understand the cause. Results can influence the timing or dose of [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/), [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/), radiotherapy, cellular treatment, or a transplant plan.

Do not stop cancer treatment or take herbal products to ‘cleanse’ the liver without advice. Ask which symptoms should trigger a same-day call and whether alcohol or particular medicines should be avoided while results are being reviewed.

Contact your oncology team promptly for yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, pale stools, severe itching, increasing abdominal swelling, persistent vomiting, confusion, or unusual sleepiness. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, collapse, breathing difficulty, or fever with rapid deterioration.

Ask: Which liver measurements changed? Could lymphoma, a medicine, infection, or another condition explain this? Do I need imaging? Will treatment be adjusted? When should the blood tests be repeated?