Lymphoma refers to cancers that start in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma can occur at any age, but is most common in people aged 20-40 and those over age 55. The time it takes to notice lymphoma symptoms varies from person to person. Some people may experience symptoms for months or years before seeking medical attention, while others may develop concerning symptoms rapidly over a few weeks. This article will provide an overview of lymphoma symptoms, how quickly they may develop, and the importance of paying attention to your body and discussing unusual symptoms with your doctor.
Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma
Some of the most common symptoms of lymphoma include:
- Enlarged, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Drenching night sweats
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Coughing, trouble breathing or chest pain
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount
However, symptoms can vary significantly depending on the type of lymphoma and which part of the body is affected.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
People with Hodgkin lymphoma often notice painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm or groin. This is often the first symptom noticed.
Other common symptoms include:
- Night sweats
- Intermittent fever
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
The symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depend on the type and where it develops in the body.
Common symptoms include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Chest pain or coughing
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Intermittent fever
How Quickly do Lymphoma Symptoms Develop?
The speed at which lymphoma symptoms appear and intensify depends on many factors, including:
- The type of lymphoma
- Where in the body it is located
- How quickly the cancer cells multiply and spread
- The person’s overall health
Some people may experience mild or vague symptoms that come and go over several years before the cancer is finally detected and diagnosed. Others might develop concerning symptoms that worsen dramatically over just a few weeks.
According to one study, the median duration of B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss) at diagnosis was around 3.5 months for Hodgkin lymphoma patients. However, the range was quite broad, with some people experiencing these lymphoma-associated symptoms for less than a month while others had them for over 2 years before diagnosis.
For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, symptoms at diagnosis had typically been present for around 4-6 months on average. But again, there was considerable variation between patients.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at how quickly symptoms may develop with some different types of lymphoma:
Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
DLBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for about 22% of cases. It is an aggressive form of NHL that can progress rapidly without treatment.
Some research indicates that DLBCL patients tend to have a relatively short median symptom duration of around 3 months before diagnosis. Symptoms may include enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal swelling, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and intermittent fever.
Follicular Lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing (indolent) form of NHL. It may develop slowly over years before being detected. Early-stage follicular lymphoma often causes no symptoms. Typically the first sign is painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin. Over time, patients may experience fatigue, night sweats, weight loss and recurrent infections.
The average duration of symptoms before diagnosis is 1-2 years. But some people live with this type of lymphoma for as long as 5-10 years before noticeable symptoms prompt further testing.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
CLL is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow before moving into the blood. In its early stages, most people have no symptoms. Enlarged, painless lymph nodes are often one of the first signs. The lymph node changes typically develop slowly over a period of months to years.
Other possible symptoms include fatigue, excessive sweating, abdominal pain or swelling, and weight loss. On average, patients have symptoms for around 9-12 months before diagnosis.
Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (LBL)
LBL is a fast-growing and aggressive form of NHL that can progress rapidly without treatment. It accounts for about 2% of all NHL cases.
Patients often notice enlarging lymph nodes, especially in the neck and chest areas. Common B symptoms like drenching night sweats, unexplained fevers and significant weight loss tend to develop within 1-2 months.
LBL requires urgent diagnosis and treatment for the best prognosis. median duration of symptoms at diagnosis is just 4-8 weeks.
When to See a Doctor
It’s important to see a doctor if you notice any of the lymphoma symptoms discussed in this article, especially if they persist or worsen over time. While many conditions can cause similar symptoms, it’s important to rule out cancers like lymphoma as a potential cause.
See your doctor right away if you have any of the “B symptoms”, such as drenching night sweats, unexplained fevers over 101°F (38.3°C), or unintentional weight loss of 10% or more within the last 6 months. Let your doctor know how long you’ve had these lymphoma-associated symptoms.
Also see your doctor if you notice any new, enlarged or unusual lumps under the skin. This is especially important if located in typical sites like the neck, underarm, groin or abdomen. Carefully track how quickly any masses grow larger over days or weeks.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment provides the best chance of remission and long-term survival. Pay attention to your body and report any persistent or concerning changes to your doctor as soon as possible. Tracking your symptoms and how long you’ve experienced them can help your doctor determine if lymphoma or another serious illness could be causing these changes.
Conclusion
The development of lymphoma symptoms can vary considerably between patients. Some people may live with subtle symptoms for months or years before a diagnosis. Others may experience a rapid onset or worsening of concerning symptoms within weeks.
Aggressive lymphomas like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) tend to have a faster course, with most patients noticing B symptoms for 1-3 months on average before diagnosis. More indolent or slow-growing lymphomas like follicular lymphoma might only cause noticeable changes after several years.
Stay alert to your body and discuss any persistent, unexplained symptoms with your doctor right away. Seek prompt medical attention if you develop drenching night sweats, high fevers, sudden weight loss, or enlarging lymph nodes for further evaluation and testing. Early detection and lymphoma treatment provide the best prognosis. Tracking how quickly concerning symptoms appeared or progressed can help your medical team make a timely diagnosis.