Symptoms of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
Find out about the common symptoms of DLBCL and other types of high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Tests will decide the correct diagnosis.
What you need to know
- A common symptom of DLBCL is swollen lymph nodes (swollen glands).
- Swollen lymph nodes can cause other symptoms, depending on where they are.
- Symptoms called B symptoms are important for staging the lymphoma and deciding on your treatment.
Swollen lymph nodes (glands)
The most likely symptom of DLBCL is swollen lymph nodes, more commonly called swollen glands.
Abnormal B cells may gather in lymph nodes in your neck, armpit or groin (at the top of leg, where it meets the body).
These lymph nodes are near the surface of the skin, so you may be able to see and feel a lump or swelling on the outside. It may not be painful.
Abnormal B cells can also gather in lymph nodes deeper inside your body. You might not be able to see or feel them with your fingers, but you may notice symptoms:
- You may have pain in your abdomen (stomach area) because there’s a lump pressing on organs such as your gut, liver or kidneys.
- You may have pain in your chest because there’s a lump blocking your lungs. You may also cough and feel breathless.
- You may have bone pain caused by abnormal B cells crowding your bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy material inside some of your bones where blood cells are made.
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B symptoms
Some people with DLBCL and other high grade B-cell lymphomas will get symptoms called B symptoms:
- drenching night sweats (that soak through your nightclothes or bedding)
- a high temperature (a fever)
- unexplained weight loss (losing weight without trying).
Not everyone has these symptoms. They are called B symptoms because of the staging system for lymphoma. A means you have none of these symptoms, B means you have one or more.
Knowing whether you have B symptoms helps your hospital team decide how best to treat you.
"My symptoms were mainly fatigue, and for the past few weeks I’d had pain in my side when I slept, which I thought was just from the gym. I was told I had DLBCL in my neck, chest and spleen."
Jess, diagnosed with DLBCL in 2023
Read Jess's story about how her family and close friends helped her through treatment.
Other symptoms of DLBCL
You may have other symptoms which won’t affect your treatment.
- You may feel extremely tired, a feeling that doesn’t go away with rest or sleep (fatigue).
- You may feel itchy, either in one place or all over, usually without a rash or any visible signs
We have more information about fatigue and itching.
Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have DLBCL or any type of lymphoma. But it’s best to check. Contact your GP if you notice anything that is unusual for you or that has been going on for a while.