Follow-up after lymphoma treatment
After treatment for lymphoma, you will have regular follow-up appointments. Your doctor usually examines you and asks if you have any symptoms. You may have blood tests taken.
After lymphoma treatment
At the end of your treatment for lymphoma, you will have a meeting with your cancer doctor or specialist nurse. They will explain:
- how often you will have follow-up appointments
- any possible signs of the lymphoma returning that you should be aware of
- any possible late effects of treatment.
Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse may give you and your GP a letter with this information and a list of the treatments you had. This is called a treatment summary.
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When will I have follow-up appointments?
How often you have follow-up appointments depends on:
- the type of lymphoma you had
- the treatment you had
- your situation.
Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will explain what to expect. Appointments may be face to face in a clinic. Or they may be by phone or video call.
To begin with, your appointments may be every 3 months or so. After 2 years, you may have fewer appointments. Or you may stop having appointments..
Instead of appointments, some people are asked to get in touch when they need to see their lymphoma team. This is sometimes called patient initiated follow-up or PIFU. You are given advice on what to be aware of and when to book an appointment, if needed.
If you have any concerns in between appointments, you can always contact the hospital. You do not need to wait until your next appointment.
At your follow-up appointments
Your cancer doctor will usually examine you. You may have blood tests and have your weight checked. You will not usually have scans, unless you develop symptoms that need to be checked.
Your cancer doctor and specialist nurse will want to know how you are feeling. They will be checking for any signs that the lymphoma may have come back. They also want to check how you are recovering from any side effects.
Appointments are a good time for you to talk to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse about any concerns you have. Many people find they get anxious before appointments. This is natural. It can help to get support from family or friends.
Macmillan is here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online.
- Visit our Hodgkin lymphoma forum or our non-Hodgkin lymphoma forum to connect with people who have been affected by lymphoma, share your experience, and ask questions.
Signs of lymphoma coming back
Sometimes lymphoma comes back. This is called a relapse or recurrence. If lymphoma comes back, it is usually discovered when symptoms develop. Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will tell you what to be aware of.
Possible signs and symptoms include:
- new lumps or swellings
- heavy drenching sweats at night
- unexplained high temperatures, over 38°C (100.4°F)
- unexplained weight loss
- extreme tiredness
- general itching or a rash that does not go away
- a cough or breathlessness that does not get better.
You may have other new symptoms that are worrying you. If you have any symptoms, it is important to have them checked.
Contact your cancer doctor or specialist nurse for advice. They can arrange for you to have an appointment if needed. Lymphoma that comes back can often be treated again.
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About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our lymphoma information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Follows GA, Barrington SF, et al. Guideline for the first-line management of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma — A British Society for Haematology guideline. Br J Haematol, 2022; 197, 558– 572. [accessed April 2024].
Fox CP, Chaganti S, McIlroy G, et al. The management of newly diagnosed large B-cell lymphoma: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2024; 204(4):1178–92. [accessed April 2024].
McKay P, Fielding P, et al. Guidelines for the investigation and management of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Br J Haematol, 2015; 172, 32-43. [accessed April 2024].
McNamara C, Montoto S, et al. The investigation and management of follicular lymphoma. Br J Haematol, 2020; 191, 363-381. [accessed April 2024].
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [NG52]. Published: 20 July 2016. Last update Oct 2021. [accessed April 2024].
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