Lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that develop from lymphocytes. Some individuals with lymphoma report a reduced appetite, which may appear gradually and fluctuate over time. This change can relate to broader shifts in the body associated with the disease and may also influence how food is tolerated during the day. The area around the stomach may feel pressured or full even after small portions, and the spleen can become enlarged, contributing to this sensation. People sometimes describe feeling satisfied after eating only a small fraction of their usual meal size, with fullness returning sooner than expected.
Unintentional weight change can occur in lymphoma and in other conditions. This may happen without deliberate adjustments in diet or physical activity and may progress at different speeds in different people. A noticeable decrease in body weight over weeks or months can be associated with various illnesses, including lymphoma, as well as metabolic or gastrointestinal factors. In some cases, clothing may fit more loosely, or numbers on the scale may shift without an obvious reason, reflecting overall changes in energy balance.
Some people report persistent tiredness without a clear cause, which can affect both physical and mental tasks. Energy levels may be lower than usual, and activities like climbing stairs, doing household chores, or concentrating for long periods can feel more challenging. This fatigue reflects a general decrease in energy and can have multiple causes, including changes in blood cell production or sleep patterns. Red blood cell levels may be reduced, and the sense of tiredness can appear even after adequate rest.
Some individuals experience recurrent fever, which may come and go and vary in intensity. In certain cases, this pattern can relate to an infection, while in others it reflects broader immune activity; durations and accompanying sensations differ among people. Lymphoma is one possible cause among many, and fever may appear alongside chills, sweating, or general malaise. The overall pattern can be intermittent, with symptom-free periods alternating with warmer spells.
Night sweats can occur in lymphoma and in other conditions and may be more noticeable during warmer months or after exertion. Body temperature regulation may fluctuate, so people may alternate between feeling cold and feverish in the same night. Sleep can be disrupted by these episodes, leading to the need to change clothing or bedding. The frequency and severity of sweating vary widely; for some, it is occasional dampness, while for others it involves more pronounced perspiration.
Some people report generalized itchiness that does not have a clear external trigger. This may relate to biological substances released in the body and can feel stronger at night or after bathing. Over-the-counter approaches may not always relieve these sensations, and moisturizers or gentle skincare routines provide variable benefit. Itchiness can persist in affected areas, shift in intensity, and sometimes be accompanied by visible scratching marks rather than a distinct rash.
Some individuals experience shortness of breath, which may be more apparent during exertion or when lying down. This can be related to changes affecting the respiratory or lymphatic system, and sensations range from mild air hunger to a feeling of chest tightness. Enlarged lymph nodes may contribute to breathing discomfort, and posture or activity level can influence how noticeable the symptom is. During episodes of breathlessness, oxygenation may feel insufficient; in some cases, nearby structures in the chest may also be involved.
Abdominal bloating can occur and may be accompanied by a sense of fullness or internal pressure, especially after meals. People sometimes notice that waistbands feel tighter or that the abdomen is more sensitive to touch than usual. Enlarged lymph nodes and fluid accumulation may also be present, contributing to a heavier sensation in the midsection. The abdomen can become tender and sensitive, with day-to-day variation depending on activity, hydration, and timing of meals.
Recurrent infections can occur in lymphoma and other conditions, reflecting periods when the body’s defenses are not at their usual level. Immune function may be reduced, so recovery from colds or minor illnesses can take longer than expected. Normal defenses may be less effective against common illnesses, leading to more frequent or prolonged episodes. The type and frequency of infections differ among individuals, with some experiencing occasional sore throats and others noticing repeated seasonal colds.
Learn more about lymphoma at National Cancer Institute.