Do You Have Lymphoma? Symptom Checker

Do You Have Lymphoma? A Quick Quiz

Answer these questions to see if your symptoms could be related to lymphoma. This is not a diagnosis, but it may help you decide whether to speak with a doctor.

See if any of these symptoms match what you're experiencing:

• You have swelling in your neck, armpit, or groin that hasn’t gone away
• You feel tired most of the time, even after resting
• You’ve lost weight without trying
• You wake up at night sweating or have chills without a clear reason
• You have itchy skin or a rash that doesn’t go away
• You’ve had a low fever that keeps coming back
• You feel short of breath or have chest discomfort
• You’ve had a lasting cough with no clear cause
• Your appetite has gone down recently
• You feel like something just isn’t right in your body

What to Do With Your Answers:

If you checked one or more of these boxes, it may be time to look deeper into your symptoms.
You can use Docus AI Symptom Checker or talk to a healthcare provider for a professional opinion.

Note: This quiz is for information only. It doesn’t replace medical advice or diagnosis.

What Is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. This system helps protect your body from infections and diseases.

Lymphoma affects a kind of white blood cell called lymphocytes. These cells usually fight off illness. But with lymphoma, they grow out of control and collect in areas like the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs.

There are two main types:

• Hodgkin lymphoma (a slower-growing type that usually starts in one group of lymph nodes and may spread in order)
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a more common type that can grow quickly or slowly and may appear in different parts of the body)

Both types can cause similar symptoms, but they develop in different ways. Some people may feel sick quickly, while others may not notice symptoms for a long time.

Lymphoma is treatable, especially when found early. That’s why knowing the signs and checking your symptoms is important.

Symptoms of Lymphoma

Lymphoma symptoms can vary depending on the type and how advanced it is. Symptoms can also depend on the type of lymphoma. They share many signs, but there are some key differences.

Symptoms Common to Both Types:

• Swollen, painless lymph nodes (neck, armpit, or groin)
• Ongoing tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats or chills
• Fever without a clear cause
• Itchy skin or a persistent rash
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms More Common in Hodgkin Lymphoma:

• Swelling usually starts in the upper body (neck or chest)
• Lymph nodes may become painful after drinking alcohol (rare but specific)
• More common in teens, young adults, and those over 55
• Often follows a clear pattern as it spreads from one group of nodes to another

Symptoms More Common in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma:

• May start in deeper lymph nodes or organs like the stomach or intestines
• Can cause chest pain, a lasting cough, or breathing trouble if it begins in the chest
• Tends to appear more in older adults
• Symptoms vary more depending on where the cancer begins

Causes of Lymphoma

Doctors aren’t always sure what causes lymphoma, but some factors may increase the risk.

• Weakened immune system: People with immune system problems or those taking immune-suppressing treatments may be more likely to develop lymphoma.
• Certain infections: Some viruses and bacteria have been linked to lymphoma, including ones that affect the immune system.
• Family history: Having a close relative with lymphoma may slightly raise your risk.
• Age and gender: Some types of lymphoma are more common in young adults, while others happen more often in older people. It may also be more common in men.
• Exposure to chemicals or radiation: Contact with certain chemicals or previous cancer treatments may raise the chance of developing lymphoma.

Not everyone with these risk factors gets lymphoma, and some people without them still do. It’s a mix of many things, not one single cause.

How to Diagnose Lymphoma?

If a doctor suspects lymphoma, they will start with a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history.

Common steps in the diagnosis process:

• Lymph node check - A doctor may feel for swollen nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.
• Blood tests - These help check for signs of infection, immune problems, or other blood changes.
• Imaging tests - Scans like X-rays, CT, or PET may help spot enlarged nodes or affected organs.
• Biopsy - This is the main way to confirm lymphoma. A small sample of tissue is taken from a lymph node and checked under a microscope.

Early diagnosis is important. It helps doctors choose the right treatment and improve your outcome.

If your symptoms match some of the signs listed above, it’s a good idea to take the Lymphoma Symptom Quiz or talk to a healthcare provider.

How to Treat Lymphoma?

Lymphoma treatment depends on the type, stage, and how fast it's growing. Your overall health also plays a role in choosing the right plan.

The goal of treatment is to remove or control the cancer and help you live as normally as possible.

• Watchful waiting: For slow-growing types, doctors may wait and monitor symptoms before starting active treatment.
• Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells in one area.
• Chemotherapy: A combination of drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It may be used alone or with other treatments.
• Immunotherapy or targeted therapy: These help the body’s own immune system fight cancer or block the growth of cancer cells.
• Stem cell transplant: In some cases, damaged bone marrow is replaced to help the body make healthy blood cells again.

Each person’s treatment plan is different. Some people may need only one kind of treatment. Others might need a combination over time.

The most important step is getting the right diagnosis early, so you and your doctor can decide on the best care for your needs.

Can You Prevent Lymphoma?

There’s no sure way to prevent lymphoma, because the exact cause isn’t always known. But you can take steps to lower your risk and stay on top of your health.

• Keep your immune system strong: Eat well, sleep enough, stay active, and manage stress to support your body’s natural defenses.
• Avoid risky exposures: Try to limit contact with harmful chemicals or radiation when possible.
• Treat infections early: Some viruses and infections have been linked to lymphoma. Getting early treatment may help reduce risk.
• Know your family history: If lymphoma runs in your family, talk to your doctor about regular checkups or early screenings.

Even though lymphoma isn’t always preventable, paying attention to your body and noticing changes early can make a big difference.