What is Lymphoma?
What is Lymphoma?
When I was diagnosed with 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 enlarged.
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. Swollen lymph nodes are 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 are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of lymphoma and where it develops — but the most common signs include swollen lymph nodes, 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.
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.
Want to Go Deeper?
Head to the Lymphoma Lowdown for more detailed information on diagnosis, treatment and life with lymphoma. Or read lymphoma stories from real young people who’ve been there.
Page last reviewed: March 2026 | Information written by Charlotte Cox, Founder of Lymphoma Out Loud (Registered Charity No. 1174665) | Sources: Lymphoma Action, Cancer Research UK
