What is Lymphoma?
What is Lymphoma?
I’m Charlotte, founder of Lymphoma Out Loud. When I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in my early 20s, I’d barely heard the word. I didn’t know what it was, where it came from, or why it had decided to show up in my body uninvited.
That’s exactly why this page exists. Because lymphoma is the most common cancer in teenagers and young people – and most of us have no idea. So let’s change that.
Under 30? You Need to Know This
Lymphoma is a blood cancer and the most common cancer in teenagers and young people. Around 1 in 5 young people diagnosed with cancer have lymphoma, and every year in the UK, around 500 young people aged 15 to 24 develop lymphoma. Every 27 minutes, another person in the UK receives a lymphoma diagnosis. That’s not a typo.
What is the Lymphatic System?
Lymphoma starts in the lymphatic system – your body’s internal security network. It fights off infection, filters out bacteria and viruses, and keeps your immune system working properly.
Lymphoma happens when lymphocytes (a kind of white blood cell) grow in an uncontrolled way and build up in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and other areas. Instead of forming a solid tumour like other cancers, lymphoma causes the lymph nodes (sometimes called glands) and other lymphatic tissues to become swollen.
What are Lymph Nodes?
Lymph nodes are small, kidney bean-shaped organs that filter the lymphatic system. They remove bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances, and they manufacture and store infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes.
You can feel lymph nodes in your armpits, groin and neck. There are hundreds more you can’t feel – deep in your chest, stomach and pelvis. A swollen lymph node is often the first sign that something isn’t right.
Are There Different Types of Lymphoma?
Yes – and the type matters, because they behave differently and need different treatment. The two main types are Hodgkin Lymphoma, which is more common in young people and generally responds well to treatment, and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a broader group of lymphomas with many subtypes and more varied treatment approaches.
What Causes Lymphoma?
In most cases, doctors don’t know exactly what causes lymphoma. It isn’t caused by anything you did or didn’t do, and it isn’t contagious – you can’t catch it from someone else, or pass it on.
Some things are known to raise the risk, though having any of them doesn’t mean you’ll develop lymphoma, and most people with these risk factors never do:
- A weakened immune system – from conditions like HIV, immunosuppressant medication after an organ transplant, or certain autoimmune diseases
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – the virus that causes glandular fever. It’s linked to around 40% of Hodgkin lymphoma cases in the UK, though far fewer non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases. Almost all adults have had EBV at some point, and the vast majority never develop lymphoma because of it.
- Family history – having a close relative with lymphoma slightly raises risk, but most people diagnosed have no family history of it at all
- Age – risk generally increases with age, though Hodgkin lymphoma is unusual in also having a peak among people in their 20s
None of these fully explain why one person develops lymphoma and another doesn’t. That’s part of what makes catching the symptoms early so important.
What are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of lymphoma and where it develops – but the most common signs include a swollen lymph node, extreme tiredness, unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, and persistent itching with no obvious rash. Some of these are easy to brush off. A lot of young people do – for months. That’s exactly the problem.
Find out more about lymphoma signs and symptoms.
How is Lymphoma Diagnosed?
It starts with a GP appointment, and usually leads to a lymph node biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, along with scans to see how much of the body is affected. It can feel like a lot to take in.
Read our full guide on how lymphoma is diagnosed.
Is Lymphoma Treatable?
Yes – and when it’s caught early, outcomes are significantly better. Early diagnosis changes everything: shorter treatment, better chances, faster recovery. Which is why knowing your body and knowing what to look for is genuinely life-changing.
Use our Know Your Nodes checker to get familiar with your lymph nodes and what’s normal for you, or see our full treatment overview.
Worried About Your Symptoms?
If something on this page sounds familiar, don’t sit on it. Not sure what to say to your GP? Read our guide on talking to your GP.
Common Questions
Is lymphoma the same as leukaemia?
No. Both start in blood cells, but leukaemia mainly affects the bone marrow and blood, while lymphoma mainly affects the lymph nodes and lymphatic system.
Can lymphoma be cured?
Many people, especially with Hodgkin lymphoma, are successfully treated. Outlook depends on type and stage – your specialist team can give you a picture specific to you. Read more about how lymphoma is treated.
How does lymphoma start?
Lymphoma starts when a lymphocyte – a type of white blood cell – changes and begins multiplying in an uncontrolled way. In most cases, doctors don’t know what triggers this. It usually begins in a lymph node, but can also start in other parts of the lymphatic system, such as the spleen or bone marrow.
Want to Go Deeper?
Head to our guides on diagnosis and treatment for more detailed information, or read lymphoma stories from real young people who’ve been there.
Written and reviewed by Charlotte Cox, founder of Lymphoma Out Loud, living with incurable lymphoma. Last reviewed August 2026. Sources: Lymphoma Action, Cancer Research UK.
