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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of malignancy that grows in the lymphatic system and mostly impacts lymphocytes, the important white blood cells involved in immune defence. NHL is different from Hodgkin lymphoma, which has only one kind of disease, because there are multiple subtypes of NHL that have diverse growth patterns, symptoms, and responses to treatment. It can happen at any age, although the risk seems to grow with age.

Symptoms include painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin; persistent fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss; weariness; and frequent infections. If the lymphoma is affecting organs other than the lymph nodes, some people may also have abdominal discomfort, symptoms in the chest, or changes in the skin.

The cause of NHL is unknown for many people. Some immune system abnormalities, infections, autoimmune illnesses, past cancer therapy, and long-term immune suppression can raise the risk. Diagnosis is often made by clinical examination, blood tests, imaging, and a biopsy of a lymph node or tissue to determine the precise kind of lymphoma.

Treatment varies on the kind, stage, and aggressiveness of the disease. Treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted medications, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, or close observation for certain slow-growing lymphomas. Early diagnosis and proper subtype classification are critical for selection of effective treatments and better long-term outcomes.