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Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin): Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Sources reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali OğulLast updated: October 2026
Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: symptoms, diagnosis, staging and principles of treatment, managed together with haematology. Information in Mersin.
Key information
| Definition | A group of cancers arising from lymphocytes (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) |
|---|---|
| Main risks | Immunosuppression, some infections, autoimmune diseases |
| Common symptoms | Painless lymph node enlargement, fever, night sweats, weight loss |
| Diagnosis | Lymph node biopsy, PET-CT, bone marrow biopsy when needed |
| Treatment | Observation, immunochemotherapy or radiotherapy depending on subtype; mostly with haematology |
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a group of cancers that develop from cells of the immune system (lymphocytes) and is considered under two main headings: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which have many subtypes (e.g. diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma). In Türkiye the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma are largely carried out by haematology departments; in some centres and situations medical oncology is also involved. This page aims to provide general information; the department that manages treatment is determined by the patient’s situation and the institution’s organisation [1][2].
Risk factors
In most lymphomas there is no clear cause. Conditions that suppress the immune system (organ transplantation, HIV), some infections (EBV, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C), autoimmune diseases and older age are risk factors [2][3].
What are the symptoms?
Painless, gradually enlarging lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin are the most common symptom. Unexplained fever, night sweats and unintentional loss of more than 10% of body weight in the last 6 months (‘B symptoms’), itching, fatigue and, depending on the area involved, cough or abdominal swelling may occur. Lymph node enlargement lasting longer than a few weeks should be assessed [1][3].
Most of these complaints can also be caused by other conditions; complaints that persist or get worse need to be assessed by a doctor.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by examining an enlarged lymph node, preferably removed entirely or as a sufficiently large piece (excisional/core biopsy); fine-needle aspiration is generally not sufficient. Immunohistochemistry and molecular tests are used to determine the subtype. PET-CT is used to assess spread, and bone marrow biopsy when needed; hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV tests are important before treatment [1][4].
Staging
Staging follows the Lugano classification (stage I–IV); PET-CT is used both for staging and for assessing treatment response. Subtype-specific prognostic scores (e.g. IPI) help determine treatment intensity [1][4].
Treatment options
- General principle: Treatment varies greatly by subtype; in some slow-growing lymphomas observation alone may be sufficient if there are no symptoms, whereas in aggressive lymphomas treatment is started promptly.
- Hodgkin lymphoma: ABVD or other chemotherapy regimens depending on stage, radiotherapy in selected patients; in advanced disease, combinations containing brentuximab vedotin or nivolumab may be used.
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Immunochemotherapy regimens such as R-CHOP or Pola-R-CHP containing polatuzumab vedotin are used.
- Recurrent disease: Options such as high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies are assessed at haematology and stem cell transplant centres [4][5].
- Support: Infection prevention, prophylaxis against hepatitis B reactivation and vaccinations are part of the treatment plan.
Treatment is planned individually, taking into account the stage, tumour characteristics, general condition and the patient’s preferences. Not every option listed here is suitable for every patient.
Recent developments
CAR-T cell therapies and bispecific antibodies have broadened treatment options in recurrent B-cell lymphomas; these treatments are delivered at experienced haematology centres [4][5].
Support and follow-up during treatment
During treatment, not only the anti-cancer drugs but also the patient’s general condition is monitored. Nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain, infection risk and changes in mood are asked about at every visit; when needed, preventive medication, nutritional support, physiotherapy and psychosocial support are planned. In situations such as fever, shortness of breath, uncontrollable diarrhoea or vomiting, or new severe pain, it is advisable to contact the treatment team without waiting for the scheduled visit. Herbal products and supplements can interact with some cancer drugs, so the treatment team should be consulted before using them.
Follow-up after treatment is carried out with clinical examination and blood tests; the frequency of routine imaging is determined by subtype and guidelines. Late effects (heart, thyroid, second cancers) should be followed in the long term.
Frequently asked questions
In Türkiye lymphoma treatment is mostly carried out by haematology departments; medical oncology is involved in some situations. Referral to the right department is made at the first assessment.
The most common cause of lymph node enlargement is infection. Lymph nodes that are painless, last more than a few weeks or keep growing should be assessed.
The structure of the lymph node needs to be seen to determine the subtype correctly; therefore the whole node or a sufficient piece is usually removed.
No. In some slow-growing lymphomas close observation may be preferred if there are no symptoms or organ involvement; in aggressive types treatment is started promptly.
Call +90 530 250 54 85 or write to the same number via WhatsApp. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00.
At the medical oncology outpatient clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital, Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye. The assessment is done in person.
When needed, yes. The multidisciplinary tumour board meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and the sequence of surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatment is planned jointly.
Yes. A second opinion is a common way to clarify a treatment plan. Bring your pathology, imaging and discharge reports to the clinic for the assessment.
Pathology report, imaging reports and, if possible, the image CDs, discharge summary, recent blood tests and a list of the medicines you take. Translated copies are helpful if your documents are not in Turkish or English.
Medical oncology consultation for lymphoma in Mersin
If you have been diagnosed with lymphoma, or your diagnostic work-up is ongoing, you can apply for a medical oncology consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital (Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye). Medical oncology covers the planning of drug treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy, the monitoring of side effects and follow-up after treatment. The hospital has a day treatment unit where drug treatments are given.
Lymphoma is often diagnosed and treated by haematology; depending on the type and the team caring for you, the medical oncology clinic can also take part in treatment planning, follow-up or a second opinion.
Treatment decisions are made by a team. When needed, patient files are discussed at the multidisciplinary tumour board, which meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00 with specialists from the relevant departments.
For appointments, call +90 530 250 54 85 or send a WhatsApp message to the same number with your name, diagnosis and reason for the request; you can also send your reports. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. No diagnosis or treatment recommendation is given via WhatsApp; the assessment takes place in person at the clinic. Consultations are held in Turkish.
Appointment
Evaluation and second opinion
If you have been diagnosed with lymphoma or would like a second opinion on your current treatment plan, you can contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul with your pathology report and imaging results.
This content is for information only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
References
- ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines – Haematological malignancies. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines-haematological-malignancies
- NCI – Lymphoma. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma
- WHO Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours (5th ed.). Accessed: October 2026. https://tumourclassification.iarc.who.int/
- NCCN Guidelines – B-Cell Lymphomas; Hodgkin Lymphoma. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1
- Lugano Classification (Cheson et al., J Clin Oncol 2014). Accessed: October 2026. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2013.54.8800
Links open external sources. The references were accessible as of October 2026.