Quick Answer
A practical guide to lymphoma symptoms, the biopsy, staging and treatment planning.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sachita Baniya • NMC 20158 • Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, the immune cells that normally fight infection. It can arise in lymph nodes, the spleen, the bone marrow or almost any organ. The first sign is often a painless lump in the neck, armpit or groin.
Common symptoms
- Painless, persistent lymph node swelling
- Unexplained fever
- Drenching night sweats
- Weight loss
- Fatigue and recurrent infections
- Itching, abdominal fullness or chest discomfort
These symptoms are not specific. Many people with swollen nodes have an infection or another benign cause. The key is whether the swelling persists, enlarges or is accompanied by systemic symptoms.
Why a biopsy is needed
Lymphoma cannot be diagnosed reliably from a blood test or a needle aspiration alone. An excisional biopsy — removing a whole node — preserves the architecture and allows immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and molecular studies. The subtype is critical: indolent lymphomas may be observed for years, while aggressive lymphomas need prompt treatment.
Staging
PET-CT is used for most lymphomas to map disease and provide a baseline for response assessment. Bone marrow examination is used selectively. Blood tests assess organ function, infection status and disease markers.
Treatment in brief
Treatment depends on subtype and stage. Options include chemoimmunotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, autologous or allogeneic transplant and CAR-T. The plan is discussed with expected benefits, side effects, fertility considerations and supportive care.
What to bring to the consultation
Bring the biopsy report and, if possible, the pathology slides or blocks. Imaging, blood counts and prior treatment records help the haematologist review the whole picture. Write down your questions — consultations cover a lot of information.
When to seek urgent care
Rapidly enlarging nodes, breathlessness, chest pain, severe abdominal pain or fever during treatment need urgent assessment. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
Hodgkin lymphoma has a high cure rate with modern treatment, especially in early-stage disease. Prognosis depends on stage, risk factors and response, and is discussed individually.
PET-CT stages the disease and assesses response after treatment. Interim PET can guide whether therapy should be escalated or de-escalated.
Hodgkin lymphoma contains Reed-Sternberg cells and has a distinct spread pattern and treatment. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes many subtypes with different biology and treatment.
Many aggressive subtypes can be cured with modern therapy, while indolent subtypes are often controlled for years. The outlook depends on subtype, stage and response.
More: All FAQs → · Ask Dr. Jitendra →
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References & Review
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
- International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Neurology sections.
- American Academy of Neurology guidelines for selected conditions (where applicable).
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.