Lymphoma

Causes & Risk Factors

Lymphoma risk factors vary by subtype, though several general associations are recognized:

•  Immune system dysfunction — including immunosuppression (from medication or disease) and certain autoimmune conditions, increases risk of some lymphoma subtypes.

•  Certain infections — including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and some other viral or bacterial infections, are associated with specific lymphoma subtypes.

•  Age — risk generally increases with age, though certain lymphoma subtypes are more common in younger adults.

•  Family history — a family history of lymphoma modestly increases individual risk.

•  Environmental exposures — certain chemical exposures have been studied as possible risk factors, though evidence varies by specific exposure and lymphoma subtype.

Symptoms & When to Test

Lymphoma commonly presents with lymph node swelling, though systemic symptoms are also an important part of the clinical picture.

•  Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin

•  Unexplained fever

•  Drenching night sweats

•  Unexplained weight loss

•  Persistent fatigue

•  Generalized itching without an obvious skin cause

•  Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen (in some cases, related to spleen or internal lymph node involvement)

When Should You Consider Testing?

Persistent, painless lymph node swelling lasting more than 2 to 4 weeks — particularly when accompanied by unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss (sometimes referred to as "B symptoms") — warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Why Tests Are Combined

Lymphoma encompasses many distinct disease subtypes, and no single test can both confirm the diagnosis and classify the specific subtype — tissue biopsy and histopathology establish that lymphoma is present, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry characterize the specific cell population involved, and cytogenetics/FISH/molecular testing identify subtype-defining genetic features.

The exact panel used depends heavily on the suspected lymphoma subtype based on initial clinical and pathological findings, since different subtypes (for example, Hodgkin versus non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and the many subtypes within non-Hodgkin lymphoma) require different confirmatory markers.

Because lymphoma subtype directly determines both prognosis and treatment approach, thorough subtype classification through this combined approach is considered essential rather than optional in most cases.

Tests Available at NPL

Most tumor molecular tests, histopathology, IHC, and genetic tests do not require fasting. However, some blood-based investigations ordered alongside cancer testing may have specific preparation requirements. Please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL.

Home Sample Collection

Lymphoma diagnosis requires a tissue biopsy (typically a lymph node biopsy), performed by a specialist surgeon or radiologist — this is not a home sample collection service.

Once your biopsy sample is obtained, NPL arranges secure transport of the tissue to our accredited laboratory for histopathology, IHC, flow cytometry, and molecular/cytogenetic testing.

Accompanying blood tests (such as CBC) can be arranged through NPL's home sample collection service.

Reports are delivered securely to your treating hematologist or oncologist, and to you, within the timeframe specified for the tests ordered.

When to See a Doctor

•  Persistent, painless lymph node swelling lasting more than 2–4 weeks

•  Unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss

•  Persistent unexplained fatigue or generalized itching

•  Unexplained abdominal swelling or discomfort

•  Known lymphoma with new or worsening symptoms