Early head and neck symptoms of non-Hodgkin‘s lymphoma may include painless lymph node swelling, persistent sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Lymphoma develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow atypically. It usually starts in lymph nodes or other lymph tissue, but it can start in your skin.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the two primary types (the other is Hodgkin’s lymphoma). These cancers are distinguished based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope.
Lymphoma is the
Swollen lymph nodes on the side of your neck are a common early symptom. Depending on where the cancer starts, you might also develop symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or a sore throat.
Read on to learn more about early symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can affect your head and neck.
One of the
Swollen lymph nodes generally are not painful, but they cause a lump that moves when you touch it. Some people describe these lumps as having a soft or rubbery feel.
The most common places where swollen lymph nodes may develop are on the side of your neck, in your armpit, and in your groin area. Your neck contains about 300 of your body’s 800 lymph nodes.
Other head and neck symptoms
More than 60 types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have been identified. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of lymphoma you have and where it forms. If lymphoma develops in your central nervous system, it can cause symptoms such as:
Symptoms of extranodal lymphoma
Lymphoma that has spread beyond the lymph nodes is known as extranodal lymphoma. About
Other possible symptoms of lymphoma around your throat and nose include:
- enlarged neck nodes
- nasal blockage
- hearing loss
Symptoms of oral lymphomas
Lymphoma can also develop inside your mouth. Oral lymphomas are most common in
In rare cases, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may develop at the base of your tongue and can cause symptoms such as:
- a
feeling of choking when drinking - a sensation of a foreign object in your mouth
- restricted tongue movement
- difficulty swallowing
- limited tongue control
Lymphomas make up 1.7% to 3.1% of all salivary gland cancers. Lymphoma in your salivary glands can cause symptoms like:
- a lump or swelling in your mouth, cheek, neck, or jaw
- persistent pain in these areas
- facial numbness
- difficulty fully opening your mouth
General symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
A buildup of atypical lymphocytes can crowd out healthy blood cells and lead to many general symptoms, such as:
- chills
- easy bruising and bleeding
- fatigue
- frequent or severe infections
- shortness of breath
- chest pain or pressure
- loss of appetite
- a swollen belly
- itchiness
Symptoms that become more common and severe with advanced lymphoma are known as “B symptoms.” They include:
- an unexplained fever greater than 100.4°F (38°C)
- night sweats that drench your sheets
- unexpected weight loss of more than 10% of your body weight within 6 months
In most people, swollen lymph nodes are not caused by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Lymph nodes commonly swell when you have an infection and return to their usual size when the infection passes.
Here’s a general comparison of typical symptoms of lymphoma and those of an infection:
| Lymphoma | Infection |
|---|---|
| swollen lymph nodes | swollen lymph nodes |
| fatigue | fatigue |
| loss of appetite | loss of appetite |
| chills | chills |
| easy bruising and bleeding | cold or flu symptoms |
| swollen belly | vomiting or diarrhea |
| itching | redness, soreness, or swelling around an injury such as a cut or burn |
When to see a doctor
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service recommends seeing a doctor if:
- your swollen glands continue getting bigger or don’t go away within 2 weeks
- your swollen glands feel hard or don’t move when you press them
- you have night sweats or a high fever for more than 3 to 4 days
- you have no other signs of illness
- your swollen glands are above or below your collarbone
A diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually starts with a visit to your primary doctor. They will ask about your symptoms, examine your medical history, and perform a physical exam.
If your doctor suspects that you have lymphoma or another health condition, they will order additional tests, which may include:
- Lymph node biopsy: During a lymph node biopsy, a healthcare professional extracts a small amount of tissue from a lymph node for lab testing. A lymph node biopsy is the
only way to confirm a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis. - Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy involves removing a small sample of your bone marrow for lab testing to see whether cancer is present.
- Spinal tap: A spinal tap helps your doctor see whether lymphoma cells are present in the cerebrospinal fluid around your brain and spine.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs can help doctors understand the extent of your cancer and see whether treatment is working.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can help doctors see how far the cancer has advanced and rule out other conditions.
After you receive a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, your doctor will likely want you to undergo further testing to better understand the type of cancer you have. You and your doctor can work together to assemble a cancer team and to determine the best treatment option for you.
Your team will likely consist of a variety of medical professionals, such as:
- oncologists
- radiologists
- dermatologists
- nurses
- nurse practitioners
- clinical social workers
Treatment options for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends on the extent of the cancer, how aggressive it is, the specific type you have, and your overall health. It will likely consist of some combination of the following methods:
- chemotherapy
- immunotherapy
- targeted drug therapy
- radiation therapy
- stem cell transplant
- surgery
Support groups
Joining a support group can help you cope with and understand your condition. Your doctor may be able to recommend a local support group in your area. You can also find support from these resources:
The most common early symptom of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a swollen lymph node. Swollen lymph nodes can appear anywhere on your body but are most likely to appear in your armpit, on your neck, or in your groin area.
Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes are not caused by lymphoma or other cancers. But if a swollen lymph node gets bigger or doesn’t go away after about 2 weeks, it’s a good idea to contact a doctor.