Getting diagnosed
It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have cancer and who might have a more minor condition. For some symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait to see if the symptoms get better or respond to treatment, such as antibiotics.
Read more about your urgent referral
There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral. These vary slightly between the different UK nations. Your GP will use these guidelines as well as their own experience and judgement.
If your doctor thinks you need to see a specialist, they will refer you to a .
You will see a specialist as soon as possible. Ask your GP when this is likely to be.
Your GP will consider any other symptoms that you are having, so do mention these.
Read more about the possible symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Your GP might also take into account whether you have any risk factors that affect your chances of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Go to the risk and causes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Sometimes you might feel that your GP is not concerned enough about your symptoms. If you think they should be more concerned, print this page and the symptoms page. Ask your GP to explain why they don’t think you need a referral.
Contact your GP again if your symptoms don't get better or you notice any new or unusual symptoms.
If your GP has referred you to a specialist, ask them when you should get your appointment. Contact them again if you don’t get one.
Some hospitals have a referral service you could try contacting if you know which hospital you are going to. Explain that you are waiting for an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Go to more information about an urgent referral, what to expect and questions to ask
Your hospital is working towards waiting time targets. For example, a target to find out whether you have cancer or not. And there are targets to start treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer. These are slightly different depending on where you live in the UK.
Last reviewed: 02 May 2024
Next review due: 01 May 2027
The most common symptom of NHL is one or more painless swellings in the neck, armpit or groin.
See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
There are several tests that you might have to diagnose NHL. Find out more about them.
Your treatment depends on the type and stage of your NHL. Common treatments include chemotherapy, targeted and immunotherapy drugs, radiotherapy and a stem cell transplant.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. It's the 7th most common type of cancer in adults.
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