The short answer
Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured, and the outlook for non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type.
Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system.
The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured.
The prognosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type.
Subjective: What you might experience
This section describes the symptoms and history a patient might report to their doctor.
Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin.
Fever without a clear infection, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss (the 'B symptoms').
Fatigue, itching, or feeling full from an enlarged spleen.
Cough or shortness of breath if nodes in the chest are enlarged.
Risk history
weakened immune system, certain infections, and family history.
Objective: Tests and findings
Physical exam of all lymph node areas, spleen, and liver.
Excisional or core lymph node biopsy
the key test to diagnose and subtype lymphoma.
Blood tests including complete blood count and LDH.
PET/CT imaging to map disease throughout the body.
Bone marrow biopsy in selected cases.
Interactive anatomy guide
Explore where cancers start and how they are found, on an interactive body map.
Open the anatomy guideAssessment: Staging and prognosis
Diagnosis confirmed by biopsy; the major split is Hodgkin versus non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Subtype (e.g., diffuse large B-cell, follicular) determines whether it is fast- or slow-growing.
Staged I–IV with the Ann Arbor/Lugano system based on which node regions and organs are involved.
Presence of B symptoms and lab markers refine prognosis.
Plan: The treatment approach
Chemotherapy (often combination regimens), sometimes with immunotherapy (e.g., anti-CD20 antibodies).
Radiation therapy for certain localized or Hodgkin lymphomas.
Slow-growing lymphomas may be watched before treatment is needed.
Targeted therapy, CAR T-cell therapy, or stem cell transplant for selected cases; clinical trials.
Follow-up exams, labs, and imaging to monitor response.
These are simplified, educational SOAP-style summaries showing the kinds of findings clinicians document when evaluating each cancer, based on National Cancer Institute resources. They describe typical diagnostic criteria and workups — not a real patient, and not medical advice. Real clinical notes are individualized. Always rely on your own care team. Based on National Cancer Institute educational content. Educational only — not medical advice.
Words to know
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Common questions
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system.
What are the two main types of lymphoma?
The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is often shortened to NHL.
Can Hodgkin lymphoma be cured?
Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured. Your healthcare team can explain what this means for your own situation.
What is the outlook for non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
The prognosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type. Because NHL includes many types, the outlook varies from person to person.
Is there a screening test for lymphoma?
The National Cancer Institute does not have PDQ evidence-based information about prevention or screening for lymphoma. Your healthcare team is the best source for guidance.
Questions to ask your doctor
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Sources last checked: 2026-08-13 what this meansLast updated: 2026-08-18Next planned review: 2027-07-21
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How this page was created
Cancer Explained does not originate medical claims. Every page restates guidance already published by the National Cancer Institute, the CDC, the USPSTF and the FDA, in plain language, with the source cited so you can check the original yourself. AI does the translating and organizing; automated checks test claims, citations, clarity and safety before anything publishes. We do not employ clinicians and do not intend to — our work is translation and navigation, not clinical judgment. Nothing here is personal medical advice, and no page can account for your particular situation.
Editorial status: Source checked — This page was written with AI assistance and checked line by line against the sources listed on it. That confirms the sources support what the page says. It is not a medical review, and it does not confirm the page is complete or right for your situation.
Human medical review: not completed. Pages here are not signed off by a clinician before they publish. That is not an oversight we are quietly working around: we restate published guidance and cite it, so the authority belongs to the source rather than to us, and every page names where its claims come from — you can verify us instead of trusting us. Where a volunteer clinician has reviewed a page, their name and credentials appear on it; where no name appears, no clinician has checked it. We are glad to have reviewers and are recruiting them, and we do not hold pages back waiting for one. Use this site to understand your situation and to ask better questions of the people treating you.
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