Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Your family doctor (GP) will talk to you about your symptoms and arrange blood tests if needed. If your blood test is abnormal you will be referred to hospital to have a test called a lymph node biopsy.

This test involves removing a sample of cells from an enlarged lymph node and looking at them closely under a microscope in the laboratory. If the enlarged node is on your neck, the cells can be taken without putting you to sleep. If the node is deeper, like in your chest, you will need a general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep for the procedure.

Read more about having a lymph node biopsy.

If you are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, we're here for you. 
Our cancer nurses are here if you need information or just want to talk. They can help you to understand your diagnosis and what to expect, send you information and tell you about our services. 

You may need further tests to give your doctors more information about your general health and about the cancer. For example:

• The number and location of affected lymph nodes.
• If the affected lymph nodes are above or below your diaphragm. Your diaphragm is the thin muscle under your lungs and heart that separates your chest from your abdomen.
• If the disease is found in your bone marrow or in places outside the lymphatic system, such as your liver.

The tests you have can help to stage your cancer. This means finding out the size and position of the cancer.

Some tests may be used see how you are responding to treatment. 

While some results may come back quickly, others may take a few weeks. 

Waiting for results can be an anxious time. It may help to talk things over with your doctor or nurse or with a relative or close friend. 

You can also call our Support Line on 1800 200 700 or visit a Daffodil Centre to speak to a cancer nurse.

Staging means finding out how much of your body is affected by the disease. Staging will help your doctor to plan the best treatment for you. 

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is usually described using numbers 1-4 and letters A, B and E, depending on your symptoms and how many lymph nodes or organs are involved.

Number staging

Your doctor often uses this information to give your cancer a number stage – from 1 to 4. In general, the lower the number, the less advanced the cancer. A higher number means a more advanced cancer. 

Early and late-stage lymphoma

Early stage: This includes stage 1 and possibly stage 2.

Late stage: This is usually stage 2, 3 or 4. It is possible to treat and cure advanced-stage lymphoma.

Letter codes

• A: You have no symptoms other than swollen glands
• B: You have other symptoms, such as weight loss, fever and night sweats
• E: The lymphoma is in unusual places outside your lymph nodes. For example, in your stomach. This is called extranodal lymphoma (the letter E stands for extranodal).