Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL)
Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) is a rare type of fast-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It mainly affects people under 35.
What is lymphoblastic lymphoma?
Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) or acute lymphoblastic lymphoma is a rare type of blood cancer. It is very similar to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and is treated in the same way.
LL develops when blood cells called lymphocytes become abnormal. These blood cells normally help fight infection.
The abnormal lymphocytes usually build up in the lymph nodes, but they can affect other parts of the body.
LL can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children and teenagers. We have information for teenagers and young adults about finding support. If you are looking for information about lymphoma in children, the following charities may help:
Booklets and resources
Symptoms of lymphoblastic lymphoma
A painless swelling or lump in the neck, armpit or at the top of the leg (groin) is the most common symptom of lymphoma. It is caused by the abnormal cells building up in the lymph nodes, which makes them bigger.
LL can also cause a mass or tumour in an area between the lungs called the mediastinum. This can cause symptoms such as:
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- chest pain.
You can find out more in our general information about lymphoma symptoms.
B symptoms
LL may also cause the following 3 symptoms:
- drenching night sweats
- unexplained high temperatures
- unexplained weight loss.
These are called B symptoms. Along with staging and grading (below), B symptoms can help your cancer team understand:
- how the lymphoma might develop
- which treatments might help.
Worried about symptoms?
A change in how you feel or how your body works can be caused by conditions other than DLBCL. But always ask your GP to check any ongoing, new or unexplained symptoms. We are also here if you need someone to talk to. You can:
- call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
- chat to our specialists online.
Related pages
Causes of lymphoblastic lymphoma
The causes of LL are mostly unknown.
Like other cancers, LL is not infectious. You cannot spread it to other people.
We have more information about causes and risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Diagnosis of lymphoblastic lymphoma
If you have symptoms that worry you, you should begin by going to your GP. They will examine you. If they think cancer may be causing your symptoms, they will refer you to a specialist doctor.
The most important test for diagnosing lymphoblastic lymphoma is a biopsy. This means testing a small piece of tissue or a sample of cells from an area of your body affected.
You can find out more about having a biopsy and other tests in our general lymphoma information.
Tests for LL often include a bone marrow biopsy. This collects a sample from the bone marrow to check for abnormal cells. Further tests are done on a sample of the lymphoma cells. You can find out more about this in our information about diagnosing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The tests look for:
- specific proteins on the surface of the cells
- gene changes (mutations) inside the cells.
Waiting for test results
Waiting for test results can be a difficult time. It may take up to 2 weeks for the results to be ready.
You may find it helpful to talk to family members or a close friend. Your specialist nurse can also provide support.
You can talk to one of our cancer support specialists for free on 0808 808 0000, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
Related pages
Booklets and resources
Staging and grading of lymphoblastic lymphoma
Your test results give your cancer team more information about the lymphoma. This includes:
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The stage
Staging describes how many areas of the body are affected by lymphoma and where these areas are.
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The grade
Grading describes how quickly the lymphoma cells are likely to grow. Lymphoblastic lymphoma is a high grade lymphoma. High grade lymphoma grows more quickly and needs urgent treatment.
Knowing the stage and grade of the lymphoma helps your cancer team plan the right treatment for you.
We have more information about staging and grading non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Treatment for lymphoblastic lymphoma
LL and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are treated in the same way. Find out more about treatment for LL in our information about treatment for ALL.
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
Cwynarski K, Marzolini MAV, Barrington SF, et al. The management of primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma: a British Society for Haematology Good Practice Paper. Br J Haematol. 2019;185:402-9.
Eyre TA, Bishton MJ, McCulloch R, et al. Diagnosis and management of mantle cell lymphoma: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2024;204(1):108–26.
Ferreri AJM, Illerhaus G, Doorduijn K, et al., on behalf of the EHA and ESMO Guidelines Committees. Primary central nervous system lymphomas: EHA–ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2024;35(6):491-507.
Fox CP, Ahearne MJ, Pettengell R, et al. Guidelines for the management of mature T- and natural killer-cell lymphomas (excluding cutaneous T-cell lymphoma): a British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2022;196:507-22.
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.
McNamara C, Montoto S, Eyre TA, et al. The investigation and management of follicular lymphoma. Br J Haematol. 2020;191:363-81.
Pratt G, El-Sharkawi D, Kothari J, et al. Diagnosis and management of Waldenström macroglobulinaemia—A British Society for Haematology guideline. Br J Haematol. 2022;197:171–87.
Walewska R, Eyre TA, Barrington S, et al. Guideline for the diagnosis and management of marginal zone lymphomas: A British Society of Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2024;204(1):86–107.
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We want our information to be as clear as possible. To do this, we try to:
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We use gender-inclusive language and talk to our readers as ‘you’ so that everyone feels included. Where clinically necessary we use the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ or ‘male’ and ‘female’. For example, we do so when talking about parts of the body or mentioning statistics or research about who is affected.
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