Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in elderly patients often presents with a variety of symptoms that can sometimes be subtle or mistaken for other age-related conditions, making early recognition important. The most common and noticeable symptom is **painless swelling of lymph nodes**, which may appear as lumps in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin. These swollen nodes are usually firm and do not cause pain, which can delay suspicion of lymphoma because painless lumps are often overlooked or attributed to benign causes.
Alongside swollen lymph nodes, elderly patients frequently experience **persistent fatigue** that is not relieved by rest. This fatigue can be profound and affect daily functioning, often described as a general feeling of weakness or exhaustion. Fatigue in this context is caused by the lymphoma’s impact on the body’s immune system and overall metabolism.
Another key symptom is **unexplained weight loss**, where the patient loses a significant amount of weight without trying or changing their diet. This weight loss is often gradual but can be a warning sign of lymphoma or other serious illnesses.
**Fever and night sweats** are also common symptoms, sometimes referred to as “B symptoms” in lymphoma terminology. The fever is usually intermittent and unexplained by infections, while night sweats can be severe enough to soak bedclothes. These symptoms reflect the body’s systemic response to the lymphoma.
Elderly patients may also report a **loss of appetite** or early satiety, meaning they feel full quickly when eating. This can contribute to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, some patients experience **itchy skin** without an obvious rash, which is thought to be related to the immune system’s reaction to the lymphoma.
If the lymphoma involves the chest area, symptoms such as **shortness of breath or chest pain** may occur. This happens when enlarged lymph nodes or lymphoma masses press on airways or other structures in the chest.
Because elderly patients often have other health issues, symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes may be mistakenly attributed to aging or chronic diseases, delaying diagnosis. Moreover, the types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma common in older adults, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or mantle cell lymphoma, can vary in aggressiveness, influencing how quickly symptoms develop and worsen.
In some cases, symptoms may also include **recurrent infections** due to the lymphoma’s effect on the immune system, or **abdominal discomfort** if lymph nodes in the abdomen are involved. Enlargement of the spleen or liver can cause a feeling of fullness or pain in the upper abdomen.
Overall, the symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in elderly patients are a combination of localized signs like swollen lymph nodes and systemic signs such as fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions common in older adults, careful medical evaluation is essential to identify lymphoma early and begin appropriate treatment.