Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the 6th most common cancer in the UK. Around 14,200 people are diagnosed with it each year. It can affect people at any age but is more common as people get older.

Hodgkin lymphoma is less common. Around 2,100 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the UK each year. Hodgkin lymphoma can happen at any age. It is one of the most common cancers to affect people in their teens and early 20s.

People sometimes search for lymphoma statistics to help them understand what might happen to someone in their situation. This is called prognosis. Doctors cannot predict exactly what will happen in the future. But they may use some of the following types of statistics to help them make an estimate:

• Lymphoma survival rates — this is the number of people who are alive after certain periods of time after a lymphoma diagnosis. It includes people who have no signs of lymphoma and also people who have lymphoma that has come back.
• Lymphoma recurrence or relapse rates — this is the number of people whose lymphoma has come back after certain periods of time after treatment.
• Lymphoma mortality — this is the number of people who have died because of lymphoma during a certain period of time.

You may find this information helpful, but not everyone wants or needs this type of information. Statistics can be worrying and difficult to understand. They may help you understand your chances of a possible outcome. But they do not tell you what will definitely happen to you.

If you want information about lymphoma statistics, or you find numbers online that might apply to you, it is best to talk about them with your cancer doctor or nurse. They can explain:

• which statistics apply to someone with your diagnosis
• what the information may mean to you
• how this may affect any treatment decisions you are thinking about.

If you have symptoms, you usually start by going to your GP. They may arrange for you to have blood tests or scans. Your GP will refer you to hospital for tests and for specialist advice and treatment.

At the hospital, the cancer doctor will ask about any symptoms, your general health and any illnesses you have had. They will also examine you.

If you think you may be pregnant, tell your GP or cancer doctor. Some tests and treatments for lymphoma can be harmful to a baby in the womb. You can usually still have tests and treatment for lymphoma while pregnant. But it is important to talk to your cancer doctor so they can plan your care safely.

Waiting for test results can be a difficult time, we have more information that can help.

In the video below, Dr Ranj is joined by Dr Priya Sriskandarajah to take an in-depth look at lymphoma, exploring its symptoms, stages and treatment options.

The most important test for diagnosing lymphoma is a biopsy. A doctor or nurse removes a small piece of tissue or a sample of cells from the area of the body they want to check.

Usually this is from an enlarged lymph node. You may have all or part of the lymph node removed. You may have a local anaesthetic to numb the area, or a general anaesthetic and a small operation. Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will explain the type of biopsy that is best for you.

You will have more tests before you start treatment for lymphoma. These help your cancer team plan your treatment safely and effectively.

Some tests check your general health and how well your heart, lungs, liver and kidneys are working. This includes blood tests to check:

• the levels of different blood cells in your blood
• whether you have certain infections linked to lymphoma, such as HIV and hepatitis.

Other tests find out more about the stage of the lymphoma. You may have some of the following tests.

A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Your doctor or cancer specialist or nurse will explain the different treatments and their side effects. They will also talk to you about things to consider when making treatment decisions before you agree (consent) to have treatment.

The treatment you have will depend on:

• the type and stage of the lymphoma
• its grade (if you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
• the symptoms you have
• which parts of your body are affected
• your general health
• your preferences.

You can find out more in our information about:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

People often have many different feelings when they finish lymphoma treatment. You may feel relieved that treatment has finished, but worried about what will happen in the future.

It is important to know where to get support or information if you need it. People often need support even some time after lymphoma treatment. But sometimes it is difficult to know who to ask for help. We have information below about some of the things people ask about after lymphoma treatment. But you may have other questions or need information about something else. To find support:

• ask your GP or someone from your cancer team for advice about support in your area
• find cancer support services near you
• call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00
• chat to our cancer information specialists online
• visit our Online Community to talk to people who have been affected by lymphoma, share your experience, and ask your questions.

Our course Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) helps people during and after cancer treatment. It is a free, interactive, group-based, self-management support course. It runs for 6 weeks, with each weekly session lasting 2.5 hours. To find out more about HOPE courses in your area, email ServiceOpsSupport@macmillan.org.uk.

• Blood Cancer UK offers support and information to people affected by blood cancers, including lymphoma.
• Lymphoma Action provides high quality information and support for people affected by lymphoma. It provides helpline services and a range of peer support including online support meetings, educational events and webinars. Its website includes TrialsLink, a database of lymphoma clinical trials.

We know cancer can affect you physically, emotionally and financially. We have information and advice about different ways cancer might impact you, such as help with:

• money and work
• how you're feeling
• uncertainty
• trouble sleeping 
• managing pain and discomfort
• eating problems and your appetite
• walking and mobility problems.