Everything you need to know about lymphoma — from Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin subtypes to symptoms, staging, treatment options, and life after diagnosis — explained clearly by Dr. Aditya Sarin.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every case of lymphoma is different. Please consult Dr Aditya Sarin or a qualified oncologist for evaluation, diagnosis and a treatment plan specific to your condition.
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Main types — Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin
89%
Hodgkin lymphoma 5-year survival rate
80,000+
Annual Non-Hodgkin cases (US)
Early
Detection saves lives
Persistent, painless swelling in the neck, underarm, or groin should never be ignored. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Aditya Sarin today.
Section 01
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system — the network of lymph nodes, vessels, and organs, including the spleen and bone marrow, that helps the body fight infection. It develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow and divide abnormally.
There are two main types of lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is characterised by a specific abnormal cell, the Reed-Sternberg cell, and can often be cured, particularly when caught early. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a much larger and more diverse group of over 60 subtypes, with a prognosis that depends heavily on the specific subtype involved.
Section 02
Types of Lymphoma
Lymphoma is not a single disease. Understanding whether it is Hodgkin or Non-Hodgkin, and which specific subtype, is essential to designing the right treatment plan. Dr. Aditya Sarin evaluates each case individually, including molecular subtyping, to determine the precise diagnosis.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma usually begins in lymph nodes in the neck, chest, or underarms, and tends to spread in a predictable, step-by-step pattern between adjacent lymph node groups.
~95% of Cases
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL)
Characterised by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells under the microscope.
Most Common Subtype
Nodular Sclerosis
The most common subtype of classical Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly in young adults.
Second Most Common
Mixed Cellularity
More frequently seen in older adults and those with HIV.
Rare · Slow-Growing
Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant (NLPHL)
Lacks classic Reed-Sternberg cells and is treated somewhat differently.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can begin in B cells, T cells, or, rarely, natural killer cells, and is broadly grouped into indolent, slow-growing forms and aggressive, fast-growing forms.
Most Common NHL
DLBCL — Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
An aggressive subtype that grows quickly but often responds well to treatment.
Second Most Common
Follicular Lymphoma
Generally slow-growing and sometimes managed initially with active monitoring.
Slow-Growing
CLL / SLL
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma are different manifestations of the same slow-growing disease.
Uncommon · Aggressive
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Requires a more intensive treatment approach.
Smaller Group
T-Cell Lymphomas
Including mycosis fungoides and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, more common in teenagers and young adults.
Rare · Highly Aggressive
Burkitt Lymphoma
A fast-growing subtype that requires urgent treatment.
Section 03
Symptoms of Lymphoma
The most common early symptom of lymphoma is painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes, typically in the neck, underarm, or groin. Many cases are found this way before other symptoms appear.
Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin
Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
Unexplained fever, often coming and going
Drenching night sweats
Unintentional weight loss
Persistent itching without a rash
Shortness of breath or chest discomfort (if chest lymph nodes affected)
Note: Fever, night sweats, and weight loss together are sometimes referred to by doctors as "B symptoms," and their presence can affect staging and treatment planning. Many of these symptoms overlap with common infections, so persistent or unexplained swelling should always be evaluated by a doctor.
Section 04
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of lymphoma is not fully understood, but several factors are known to increase risk. Being aware of your risk profile allows for earlier and more targeted evaluation.
Age
Hodgkin lymphoma has two peak age ranges — young adults aged 15 to 40 and adults over 55 — while Non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk generally rises with age.
Weakened Immune System
HIV infection, organ transplantation, and certain inherited immune conditions significantly increase lymphoma risk.
Infections
Epstein-Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori, and certain other chronic infections are linked to specific lymphoma subtypes.
Family History
Having a first-degree relative with lymphoma modestly increases risk, though most cases occur without any family history.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will develop lymphoma, and many people diagnosed have no identifiable risk factor at all.
Section 05
Lymphoma Screening & Early Detection
There is no routine screening test for lymphoma in the general population, unlike mammography for breast cancer or PSA testing for prostate cancer. Early detection instead depends on recognising symptoms and prompt evaluation.
Physical Examination
A doctor checks for swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, and groin, and examines the spleen and liver for enlargement.
Blood Tests
A complete blood count and other blood tests can reveal abnormalities that may indicate lymphoma or rule out other causes.
Imaging
CT, PET, or PET-CT scans identify affected lymph node regions and help determine how far the disease has spread.
Lymph Node Biopsy
Tissue sampling from an affected lymph node is required to confirm a lymphoma diagnosis and determine the exact subtype.
A swollen lymph node does not confirm lymphoma. Infections are a far more common cause. A node that persists beyond two to three weeks, continues to grow, or feels hard and fixed warrants prompt evaluation.
Section 06
Stages of Lymphoma
Staging describes how far the lymphoma has spread and directly shapes the treatment approach. Both Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are staged using the Lugano classification, an updated version of the older Ann Arbour system, which assesses which lymph node regions are involved and whether the disease has spread to organs outside the lymph system. This staging guidance is current as of 2026.
Stage
What it means
Stage I
Involvement of a single lymph node region, or a single organ outside the lymph system.
Stage II
Involvement of two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm.
Stage III
Involvement of lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm.
Stage IV
Widespread involvement of one or more organs outside the lymph system, such as the bone marrow, liver, or lungs, with or without lymph node involvement.
An "E" is added to a stage when lymphoma involves an organ outside the lymph system that is directly adjacent to an affected lymph node region. Doctors also note whether "B symptoms" — fever, night sweats, or weight loss — are present, since this affects prognosis and treatment intensity.
Survival statistics are population averages. They describe outcomes across large groups of patients and do not predict what will happen to any individual patient.
Lymphoma survival outcomes in India
Measure
Value
Hodgkin lymphoma, 5-year overall survival (multi-centric Indian registry)
83.6%
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL), 2-year overall survival (Eastern India tertiary centre)
Unlike several other cancers, Indian Hodgkin lymphoma outcomes from specialist centres are broadly comparable to those in the developed world, reflecting how well this cancer responds to standard treatment when patients can access it.
Section 08
Treatment Options for Lymphoma
Treatment is tailored to the specific lymphoma type and subtype, stage, and the patient's overall health. Dr. Aditya Sarin develops a comprehensive, personalised treatment plan for every patient.
Chemotherapy
Combination regimens such as ABVD for Hodgkin lymphoma or R-CHOP for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma remain a backbone of treatment for most subtypes.
Radiation Therapy
Targeted radiation to affected lymph node regions, often combined with chemotherapy for early-stage disease.
Immunotherapy
Checkpoint inhibitors that help the immune system recognise and attack lymphoma cells, now approved for both newly diagnosed and relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma.
Targeted Therapy
Antibody-drug conjugates and other agents that act on specific proteins found on lymphoma cells, with fewer effects on healthy tissue.
CAR-T Cell Therapy
A patient's own T-cells are engineered to recognise and destroy lymphoma cells, used for certain relapsed or refractory Non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
Bispecific Antibodies
Lab-made antibodies that bring a patient's T-cells into direct contact with lymphoma cells, an increasingly important option for relapsed disease.
Stem Cell Transplant
Used for relapsed or high-risk lymphoma, allowing higher-dose chemotherapy followed by restoration of healthy blood-forming cells.
Active Surveillance
For some slow-growing, indolent Non-Hodgkin lymphomas, regular monitoring without immediate treatment is an appropriate first approach.
Section 09
Latest Advances in Lymphoma Treatment
Lymphoma treatment has changed meaningfully in the past year, particularly with the expansion of immunotherapy, bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T cell therapy into new patient groups. As of 2026, notable developments include the following.
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FDA Approval · March 20, 2026 · Frontline Hodgkin
A new frontline standard for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma
On March 20, 2026, the FDA approved nivolumab in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD chemotherapy) for adult and pediatric patients aged 12 and older with previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma. In the supporting Phase 3 trial, the nivolumab combination showed superior progression-free survival compared with the prior standard regimen.
FDA Approval · November 18, 2025 · Follicular Lymphoma
Expanded bispecific antibody access for follicular lymphoma
On November 18, 2025, the FDA approved epcoritamab-bysp in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, as well as traditional approval as monotherapy after two or more prior lines of therapy.
Wider CAR-T eligibility for rare, aggressive lymphoma
On February 19, 2026, the FDA expanded the label for axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta), a CAR-T cell therapy, to include patients with relapsed or refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Whether any of these developments apply to a given patient depends on lymphoma subtype, prior treatment history, and overall health, and should be discussed directly with an oncologist.
Section 10
Living with Lymphoma
A lymphoma diagnosis affects not just physical health but emotional well-being and quality of life. Comprehensive support — from managing treatment side effects to emotional care — is an integral part of treatment at every stage.
Fatigue & Symptom Management
Practical strategies and, where needed, medical support to manage treatment-related fatigue, nausea, and other side effects.
Counselling & Support Groups
Professional emotional support and peer groups for patients and families navigating diagnosis and treatment.
Nutrition & Immune Support
Personalised dietary guidance to support the immune system and maintain strength through chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Section 11
Why Early Detection Matters
Lymphoma is one of the more treatable cancers we see, especially Hodgkin lymphoma, but only if patients don't dismiss a swollen lymph node as 'just an infection' for too long.
— Dr. Aditya Sarin, Medical Oncologist
Hodgkin lymphoma has a 5-year relative survival rate of 92 to 95% when caught at a localised or regional stage.
Early-stage lymphoma often requires shorter, less intensive treatment than advanced-stage disease.
Persistent swelling that lasts more than two to three weeks should always be evaluated, even without pain.
B symptoms — fever, night sweats, and weight loss occurring together — deserve prompt medical attention.
A biopsy is the only way to confirm or rule out lymphoma. Don't rely on imaging or blood tests alone.
Section 12
Frequently Asked Questions about Lymphoma
What is the first sign of lymphoma?
The most common first sign is painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes, typically in the neck, underarm, or groin. Persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, night sweats, and weight loss can also be early indicators.
Can lymphoma be cured?
Hodgkin lymphoma is often curable, with an overall 5-year survival rate around 89%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma outcomes vary widely by subtype. Indolent forms are often managed as a long-term condition, while several aggressive subtypes, including DLBCL, are potentially curable with modern chemoimmunotherapy.
Is a swollen lymph node always a sign of lymphoma?
No. Infections are a far more common cause of swollen lymph nodes than cancer. A node that persists beyond two to three weeks, keeps growing, or feels hard and fixed should be evaluated by a doctor.
What is the difference between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma is identified by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and tends to spread in a predictable pattern between adjacent lymph node regions. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a much larger, more diverse group of over 60 subtypes with varying behaviour and treatment approaches.
How is lymphoma staged?
Both Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are staged using the Lugano classification, based on which lymph node regions are affected and whether the disease has spread beyond the lymph system, combined with whether B symptoms are present.
Is a biopsy always necessary to diagnose lymphoma?
Yes. Imaging and blood tests can raise suspicion, but a lymph node biopsy is required to confirm a lymphoma diagnosis and identify the exact subtype, which directly determines treatment.
What is the best treatment approach for Lymphoma in Delhi?
Effective lymphoma treatment in Delhi starts with accurate subtyping through biopsy and staging, since Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and their many subtypes, are treated differently. Dr. Aditya Sarin, ESMO board-certified and trained in precision oncology, offers this subtype-driven, personalised approach to lymphoma patients in Delhi.
Section 13 · Why Dr. Aditya Sarin
Why Trust Dr. Aditya Sarin for Lymphoma Care?
ESMO Board Certified · Harvard Trained · Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Experienced Lymphoma Specialist
ESMO Board-certified oncologist with advanced training in precision oncology and cancer genomics from Harvard Medical School.
Advanced Treatment Options
Access to the latest immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and personalised treatment protocols tailored to your specific lymphoma subtype.
Comprehensive Support
Personalised treatment plans, emotional counselling, and end-to-end support for patients and their families.
Affordable & Accessible Care
High-quality oncology care with insurance assistance, flexible appointment options, and both in-person and remote consultations.
Mon – Fri (Morning) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Mon – Fri (Evening) 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday Closed
Early Detection Saves Lives
Don't wait for symptoms — schedule your evaluation today. If you've noticed persistent swelling, unexplained fever or fatigue, or simply want expert guidance on your lymph health, speak with Dr. Aditya Sarin — a trusted lymphoma specialist in New Delhi.
