What organs are affected by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) primarily affects the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands (lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils, adenoids) that are part of your immune system, causing lymphocytes (white blood cells) to grow abnormally, but it can also spread to other areas like the bone marrow, stomach, intestines, skin, or even the brain and spinal cord, depending on the specific type and stage.

What organ does non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affect?

The lymphoma cells, or changed (mutated) lymphocytes, collect in the lymph nodes and form a tumor. Sometimes tumors form in the spleen or in other lymph organs, like the thymus or tonsils. It can also sometimes affect the skin. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not the same as Hodgkin lymphoma.

Where does non-Hodgkin's lymphoma spread first?

NHL usually starts in an area of lymph nodes. When it spreads to an organ or tissue outside of the lymph nodes, it is called extranodal spread. If NHL spreads, it can spread to the following: other lymph nodes close to where it started or in other parts of the body.

Can lymphoma cause diarrhea?

Yes, lymphoma can absolutely cause diarrhea, especially if it affects the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, bowel), as the cancerous cells can disrupt normal function, leading to inflammation, fluid buildup, and impaired absorption, mimicking conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Diarrhea is a known symptom of various lymphoma types, including intestinal T-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL), often appearing with other symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue.
 

What organ does lymphoma affect first?

Lymphoma most commonly starts in the lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped filters found throughout the body, often appearing as painless swelling in the neck, armpits, or groin, but it can also begin in other lymph tissues like the spleen, thymus, tonsils, or even the skin or bone marrow. Since the lymphatic system is widespread, lymphoma can technically start almost anywhere lymph tissue is present.
 

How Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Affects Your Body & Risk Factors to Know | Stanford

What is the biggest indicator of lymphoma?

The biggest and most common sign of lymphoma is painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin, often feeling like a lump under the skin, accompanied by systemic "B symptoms" like fever, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss, which indicate a more advanced stage, notes Banner Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Mayo Clinic. Persistent fatigue and itchy skin can also be significant, but the painless lymph node swelling is often the earliest indicator, according to the American Cancer Society.
 

Where is the most common place to get lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma starts in the lymph nodes of the neck and spreads in an orderly fashion from the neck area down to the rest of the body. Signs of lymphoma can include: Enlarged lymph node in the neck, shoulder or chest (most common symptom)

What is the most common cause of death with non-Hodgkins lymphoma?

The most common cause of death was infection (33% of cases).

What hurts when you have lymphoma?

Lymphomas that start or grow in the abdomen (belly) can cause swelling or pain in the abdomen. This could be from lymph nodes or organs, such as the spleen or liver, getting bigger. It can also be caused by the buildup of large amounts of fluid.

What are the digestive issues with lymphoma?

Symptoms can include:

• crampy-like abdominal pain.
• weight loss.
• features of malabsorption.
• rectal bleeding.
• severe constipation and/or bowel obstruction.

Why did I get non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is caused by a change (mutation) in the DNA of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes, although the exact reason why this happens isn't known. DNA gives cells a basic set of instructions, such as when to grow and reproduce.

How terminal is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

With early diagnosis and advanced treatment methods, non-Hodgkin lymphoma has a high survival rate. If the cancer is confined to a single region, it has about an 83% survival rate. Even the most advanced stage of non-Hodgkin lymphoma has a survival rate greater than 60%.

What is the most common site of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

This study found that lymph nodes were the most frequent site of NHL (78%) and specifically the cervical lymph nodes were the most commonly affected (80%) and Inguinal lymph nodes followed with 20% involvement.

What labs are abnormal with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Blood Tests

People with this form of cancer may also have low levels of healthy white blood cells, which fight infection, and low platelet counts, which help the blood to clot. Our doctors may also test the blood for high levels of lactate dehydrogenase, also known as LDH.

What are the symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the stomach?

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Symptoms

• Swollen, often painless, lymph nodes in the neck, groin, underarm, or above the collarbone.
• Fever without an infection.
• Chills.
• Feeling very tired.
• Swelling in the belly (abdomen)
• Feeling full after eating only a small amount.
• Upset stomach (nausea), vomiting, or stomach pain.

Can non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cause kidney problems?

In a separate autopsy study in 700 patients with lymphoma, kidney infiltration was present in 34% of patients with Hodgkin's (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

What are the red flags for lymphoma?

You should consult a health care provider if you experience: Persistent or unexplained swelling of lymph nodes. Fever, night sweats or weight loss that doesn't improve. Ongoing fatigue or shortness of breath.

Where do you itch with lymphoma?

Lymphoma itching can occur all over the body, but is common on the lower legs, chest, abdomen, back, and palms/soles, often feeling deep and unsoothed by creams, worsening at night, and sometimes appearing with dry, scaly patches or even without a rash. It's caused by immune system chemicals (cytokines) irritating nerve endings and can be a sign of lymphoma, especially when persistent.
 

Does lymphoma affect legs?

Signs and symptoms of Advanced Lymphoma

The enlarged lymph node sometimes causes other symptoms by pressing against a vein (causing swelling of an arm or leg), or against a nerve (causing pain, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg). Some people experience lower back pain that is unexplained.

Is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a death sentence?

Survival for all non-Hodgkin lymphomas

around 65 out of every 100 people (around 65%) survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis.

Which is more fatal, Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's?

Survival data regarding Hodgkin vs. non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on each patient's specific situation, but in general, the five-year relative survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma is higher than that of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. One reason may be that non-Hodgkin lymphoma is often diagnosed when the cancer is more advanced.

What are the worst types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

The most common subtypes of aggressive NHL are:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.
• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated lymphoma.
• Burkitt lymphoma.
• Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma.
• Lymphoblastic lymphoma.
• Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
• Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)

Who usually gets lymphoma?

Although both diseases can be diagnosed at any age, Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in young adults ages 15 to 40 and older adults over age 55. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is typically diagnosed in adults over age 60. Some viruses may make you more likely to get both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

How long is chemo for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

You usually have a combination of several chemotherapy drugs. The treatment usually lasts for 4 to 6 months. There are lots of different drug combinations. Most of them include the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.

Where is the best place to go for lymphoma treatment?

Nationally recognized expertise

Mayo Clinic hematologists are respected for their extensive experience treating people with all types of lymphoma, including the most common and rare forms. Each year Mayo Clinic doctors care for thousands of people with lymphoma.