Signs (something that can be seen or measured by someone else, such as swollen lymph nodes or fever) and symptoms (something that is felt or noticed by the person experiencing it, such as fatigue or night sweats) of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can vary based on lymphoma type and size, but can also be caused by other conditions, such as infection.1 Investigating any signs and symptoms can help diagnose and stage NHL as well as determine whether they are being caused by another condition.1,2
Many patients, especially those with follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and indolent subtypes, do not show any signs or symptoms of the illness. Others might present with one or more of the following:1,3
B symptoms* are a combination of fever, drenching night sweats and weight loss that occur together.2 However, since these are not specific to lymphoma, diagnosis of NHL is unable to be confirmed based on these signs and symptoms alone.4
Besides a physical exam and a thorough medical history review, there are a combination of tests that may be utilized to help determine if NHL is present. A lymph node biopsy is only way to confirm NHL, however, timing of a biopsy will depend on whether any signs or symptoms are caused by other conditions, such as infection.2,5,6 Here are possible exams and tests that may be used to help identify and confirm a diagnosis of NHL:1,6
Once the diagnosis of NHL is confirmed, tests and procedures are performed to identify if cancer has spread within the lymph system or to other parts of the body, which is called staging. Staging can also help identify the best course of treatment. Staging consists of two divisions (limited or advanced) and four stages (I to IV), and tests used in the evaluation of possible NHL can also be used to gather information for staging.1 In general terms, stages I and II are limited disease, while stages III and IV are advanced disease. 7 Note that an advanced disease can often be treated successfully and cured.7
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