Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of white blood cells called lymphocytes. About 7,800 Australians are diagnosed each year, and many types respond very well to treatment.
Most swollen glands are your immune system doing its job after a cold. The ones worth checking are the ones that didn’t get the memo to shrink.
See your GP soon for a painless lump in the neck, armpit or groin that’s still there after 3 to 4 weeks or keeps growing, especially with drenching night sweats, fevers, weight loss you can’t explain, ongoing itch or tiredness.
The numbers
- About 7,800 new cases a year in Australia (2025 estimates)
- 79% are alive 5 years after diagnosis
- About 9 in 10 are non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the rest are Hodgkin lymphoma
- Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in teenagers and young adults, and one of the most curable
The two main groups
- Hodgkin lymphoma: peaks in young adults and again in older age. Most people are cured
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: over 60 types. Some grow fast and need treatment straight away; others grow slowly for years
- Slow-growing (indolent) types are often watched rather than treated until they cause problems
Tests
- Blood tests, then a biopsy of a swollen gland: the only way to confirm lymphoma and find the type
- A PET-CT scan to see where it is
- Sometimes a bone marrow biopsy
‘Watch and wait’ sounds like doing nothing. For slow lymphomas it’s a proper treatment plan, with check-ups, that spares people years of side effects.
Treatment
- Chemotherapy, often with immunotherapy such as rituximab
- Radiotherapy for some early or localised lymphomas
- Newer options: targeted tablets, bispecific antibodies and CAR-T cell therapy for lymphoma that has come back
- A stem cell transplant for some
- Long-term follow-up checks for late effects such as heart, thyroid and fertility problems
Save your money
Popular, heavily marketed or often asked about, but the evidence is weak or says no.
- Antibiotics for a gland that keeps growingFine for an obvious infection, but a painless gland lasting more than a few weeks needs a proper look, not another course.
- Alkaline diets and high-dose vitamin infusionsNo evidence they treat lymphoma, and some interfere with treatment.
Common questions
What does a lymphoma lump feel like?
Usually painless, rubbery and slowly growing, in the neck, armpit or groin. Most swollen glands are from infections and settle within a few weeks.
What is the difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
They look different under the microscope and behave differently. Hodgkin lymphoma often affects young adults and is usually curable. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma covers many types, from slow-growing to fast.
Is lymphoma curable?
Many types are. Hodgkin lymphoma and several fast-growing non-Hodgkin types are often cured. Slow-growing types can usually be controlled for many years.
Helpful resources
- Cancer Council 13 11 20Information and support line for anyone affected by cancer. Free.
- Lymphoma AustraliaLymphoma nurses and information. Free.
- Leukaemia Foundation 1800 620 420Support for people with blood cancers, including lymphoma. Free.
Evidence and more information
maladywise.com/lymphoma/