< Back to Blog

Lymphoma diagnosis, survival rate by age, prognosis, and treatment

By Naheed Ali, MD, PhD, ScD on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | February 25, 2025

Table of contents:

Hearing the word “lymphoma” can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t already know much about it. But understanding the facts about this disease can make a big difference in not only how you and your loved ones feel, but how you have ongoing conversations with your doctor.  

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a key part of your body’s immune defense. If you’ve recently received or know someone with this diagnosis, you may be wondering about the lymphoma cancer survival rate and how it varies by age. It can be scary, but knowing these details can give you a clearer picture of what to expect throughout treatment and beyond. 

Start here with some definitions:  

  • “Survival rate” refers to the percentage of people who live for a specific time after being diagnosed with a disease, in this case, blood cancer.  
  • It is often mentioned alongside “prognosis,” which refers to a broader prediction of the outcome of the disease, including the chance of recovery and future quality of life. 

The good news is that advances in lymphoma treatments have significantly improved survival rates over the years thanks to ongoing research. The overall lymphoma survival rate depends on the type of lymphoma, its stage, and other factors, but outcomes are better now than ever before. 

For example, age can play a role in how lymphoma progresses and how well treatments work. Younger individuals often have higher survival rates, while older adults may face more challenges. Still, many people across all age groups respond well to treatment, and new therapies are constantly improving outcomes. 

While the lymphoma mortality rate reminds us that there’s more to learn and improve, it’s important to focus on the hope that research and modern medicine provide, especially if you or someone you love has been diagnosed. Lymphoma is no longer as unknown as it once was, and understanding survival rates is just one piece of the puzzle in managing this disease. 

What is Hodgkin lymphoma? 

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that begins in the lymphatic system, which is like your body’s personal defense network. This system includes lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, and other tissues that work together to fight infections and filter out harmful substances. Hodgkin lymphoma starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are key players in keeping you healthy. When these cells turn cancerous, they grow out of control and affect how your immune system works. (You can learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma in this webcast.) 

This disease is relatively rare compared to other types of cancer, but it can be diagnosed in people of all ages. Most cases are found in two specific groups: young adults between 15 and 40 years old and adults over 55. The lymphoma cancer survival rate by age is generally high, especially for younger individuals, but age still plays a role in outcomes (National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2024). 

Organs affected by Hodgkin lymphoma 

Hodgkin lymphoma usually begins in the lymph nodes, the small, bean-shaped organs that filter harmful substances. These nodes are located throughout your body, including your neck, armpits, and groin. 

If left untreated, Hodgkin lymphoma can spread to other parts of the lymphatic system, such as: 

  • The spleen, which filters blood and helps fight infections. 
  • Bone marrow, where new blood cells are made. 
  • Other organs, like the liver or lungs, if the disease progresses. 

Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms and early signs 

Recognizing early signs of lymphoma is important for diagnosis and treatment. Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms can vary, but some common ones include: 

  • Painless swelling in lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin. 
  • Unexplained fever or chills. 
  • Persistent fatigue or feeling unusually tired. 
  • Night sweats that soak your sheets. 
  • Unintentional weight loss. 
  • Itchy skin. 

Sometimes this is hard to diagnose because these symptoms may overlap with those of other diseases, so if you experience them, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. 

What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma? 

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a broad category of cancers that affect the lymphatic system, a key part of your immune system. Unlike Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL isn’t just one disease—it’s a collection of over 100 different subtypes. Two of the most common types include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma. 

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can occur at any age, but it’s more common in people over 60. Age, an immunocompromised status, certain infections, and genetic changes can increase the risk (Alaggio et al. 2022). Even though it’s a complex category of cancers, treatments for NHL have come a long way, giving people diagnosed with any of the various subtypes a wider range of options and notably improving their quality of life. 

Organs affected by non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Like Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL often starts in lymph nodes, small bean-shaped structures scattered throughout your body. These nodes filter harmful substances and play a key role in your immune defense. 

What makes NHL unique is its tendency to spread beyond the lymphatic system to extranodal sites, including: 

  • The skin, causing rashes or lesions. 
  • The gastrointestinal tract, leading to stomach pain or nausea. 
  • The brain or spinal cord, which can result in neurological symptoms. 

In advanced stages, it can also affect the bone marrow and spleen, impacting blood cell production and overall immunity. 

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms 

The symptoms of NHL can vary depending on the subtype and where it spreads. Some common non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms include: 

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. 
  • Persistent fatigue. 
  • Unexplained weight loss. 
  • Fever or night sweats. 
  • Abdominal pain or swelling. 
  • Chest pain, cough, or difficulty breathing if it spreads to the chest. 

These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so it’s important to consult a doctor for proper testing if you notice them. 

Hodgkin lymphoma vs. non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival statistics 

Hodgkin lymphoma survival rates by age 

Hodgkin lymphoma has some of the most encouraging survival rates among cancers. The 5-year survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma is about 89%, but it varies depending on age (“Hodgkin Lymphoma - Cancer Stat Facts,” n.d.). The lymphoma survival by age trends show that younger people generally have better outcomes than older adults (National Cancer Institute (US) 2024).  

For example: 

  • Teens and young adults (ages 15–40) often have a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. This age group is generally able to better tolerate intensive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. 
  • Older adults (ages 55+) tend to have lower lymphoma survival rates by age, around 65%, as their overall health and ability to undergo aggressive treatments may be limited. 

Advancements in medicine have improved the lymphoma prognosis by age, giving people of all ages better chances of successful treatment. 

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival rates by age 

The non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival rate depends on age, but is also impacted by subtype, stage of the disease, and a person’s overall health. The average 5-year survival rate for NHL is a little lower than the Hodgkin lymphoma survival rate at about 74% (compared to 89% mentioned above) (“Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - Cancer Stat Facts,” n.d.). But again, this varies widely (National Cancer Institute (US) 2023). 

  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival rate by age: Like Hodgkin lymphoma, younger people often have better outcomes due to stronger immune systems and higher tolerance for aggressive treatments. 
  • Advanced-stage NHL: Advanced-stage NHL has lower survival rates, but some subtypes respond well even in later stages. 

DLBCL prognosis 

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common and aggressive subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). While the word "aggressive" might sound alarming, it also means that DLBCL usually responds quickly to treatment, giving many patients a good chance of remission. The prognosis for DLBCL depends on several factors, including age, overall health, and how far the lymphoma has spread (Schmitz, Stelljes, and Bazarbachi 2018). 

What influences DLBCL prognosis? 

Prognosis refers to the likely outcome of a disease—how well someone is expected to respond to treatment and what their chances of recovery might be. For DLBCL, doctors rely on several key tools to determine prognosis, including the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and its updated versions. These tools provide a clearer picture of what to expect and help guide treatment decisions. 

International Prognostic Index (IPI) 

The IPI is one of the most widely used systems for predicting outcomes in aggressive lymphomas like DLBCL. It evaluates five important factors, each of which can influence survival rates (Ruppert et al. 2020): 

  1. Age plays a big role in prognosis. Patients under 60 tend to have better outcomes because younger bodies are usually stronger and more resilient. Older patients, particularly those over 70, may have a harder time with treatments like chemotherapy due to pre-existing health conditions or weaker immune systems. 
  2. Performance status measures how well someone can carry out daily activities, like cooking, working, or walking. Doctors use a scale called the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score to rank performance status. If a person is still fairly active and independent, their chances of responding well to treatment are higher. 
  3. Lymphoma stage: DLBCL is staged from I (localized) to IV (advanced). Early-stage lymphoma, where the cancer is confined to one or two areas, has a better prognosis. In stage IV lymphoma, the cancer has spread to distant organs like the liver or bone marrow, which makes treatment more challenging. 
  4. Extranodal involvement means the lymphoma has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the skin, stomach, or brain. The more extranodal sites affected, the harder the disease is to treat, which can lower survival rates. 
  5. LDH levels: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in your blood. High LDH levels are a sign of aggressive disease or a larger tumor burden, which can negatively affect prognosis. 

Based on these five factors, patients are grouped into risk categories—low, intermediate, and high risk. These categories are used to help doctors tailor treatments and provide patients with an idea of what to expect moving forward. 

Other prognostic models 

Revised International Prognostic Index (R-IPI) 

As treatments have improved, the original IPI has been updated to reflect better outcomes. The R-IPI still considers the same five factors but divides patients into new risk groups to more accurately predict survival rates (Ruppert et al. 2020). 

Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) 

For patients with follicular lymphoma, a slower-growing type of NHL, the FLIPI is used instead. While follicular lymphoma differs from DLBCL, some principles overlap, such as the importance of age, lymphoma stage, and LDH levels (Solal-Celigny et al. 2004). 

Gene mutations and molecular subtypes 

In recent years, scientists have learned that not all DLBCL is the same. Gene mutations and molecular subtypes can affect how the disease behaves and responds to treatment. 

  • Germinal Center B-Cell (GCB) Subtype: This subtype tends to have better outcomes and responds well to standard treatments like R-CHOP (a common chemotherapy regimen). 
  • Activated B-Cell (ABC) Subtype: This subtype is harder to treat and may require more advanced therapies like targeted drugs. 

Genetic testing can help doctors identify these subtypes and personalize treatment plans for better results. 

Other health conditions 

A person’s overall health also plays a critical role in prognosis. Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems can make aggressive treatments like chemotherapy more difficult. Doctors look at whether a patient has other health issues (comorbidities) to assess if these conditions might impact lymphoma outcomes. 

How Do Prognostic Tools Help? 

Prognostic tools like the IPI are not about giving exact predictions—they’re about helping doctors and patients make informed decisions. For example: 

  • A patient with low-risk DLBCL might start with standard chemotherapy, which has a high chance of success. 
  • A high-risk patient might explore additional treatments like CAR T-cell therapy or clinical trials. 

Knowing what to expect also helps patients prepare emotionally and practically for the road ahead. 

Lymphoma management and treatment 

When it comes to treating lymphoma, no two experiences are exactly the same. The type of lymphoma, its stage, and a person’s overall health all play a big role in deciding which treatments are best. Fortunately, there are several options available, and doctors often use a combination of therapies to give patients the best chance of success. Here’s a closer look at the most common lymphoma treatments and how they help. 

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for lymphoma. It uses strong drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells or stop them from dividing. These medications can be delivered through an IV or taken as pills, depending on the treatment plan. 

While chemotherapy is effective at treating lymphoma, it can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects like fatigue, hair loss, and nausea. Doctors work to manage these side effects so patients can complete their treatment with as little discomfort as possible. 

Radiation therapy 

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells in specific areas. It’s often used when lymphoma is localized, meaning it hasn’t spread far from its original site. For some patients, radiation is combined with chemotherapy to ensure all cancer cells are destroyed. 

Radiation therapy is generally painless during the procedure, but side effects like skin irritation or tiredness can occur. These effects are usually temporary. 

Targeted therapy 

Targeted therapy focuses on specific proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy hones in on cancer cells, making it less likely to harm the rest of your body. 

For example, some targeted drugs block proteins on lymphoma cells that signal them to grow. This type of treatment is especially helpful for patients whose cancer hasn’t responded to traditional therapies. 

Immunotherapy 

Immunotherapy works by boosting your body’s natural defenses to help treat cancer. It uses substances made by your body or in a lab to help your immune system recognize and attack lymphoma cells. 

One example is monoclonal antibodies, which are designed to latch onto cancer cells and “mark them for destruction” by the immune system. Immunotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular option because it’s often effective and has fewer side effects than chemotherapy. 

CAR T-Cell Therapy 

CAR T-cell therapy is one of the most exciting advancements in lymphoma treatment, and is a form of immunotherapy. CAR T-cell therapy (also sometimes known as CAR-T) involves taking a patient’s own immune cells, modifying them in a lab to attack cancer, and then reintroducing them into the body. 

As of now, CAR-T is most often used when other treatments haven’t worked. While it’s a newer option, it’s showing great promise, especially for aggressive types of lymphoma. 

Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplantation 

For some patients, especially those with recurring lymphoma, a stem cell transplant may be recommended. This treatment replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells, either from the patient or a donor. 

Stem cell transplants often follow high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy to replenish the bone marrow after it’s been affected by intense treatment. 

Palliative Care 

Regardless of the outcome of the treatment, patients should always have the ability to manage the symptoms or side effects of their treatment. That's where palliative care comes in. Palliative care is designed to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life during and after treatment. It includes: 

  • Medications to ease pain, nausea, or other side effects. 
  • Activities or therapy to reduce stress. 
  • Emotional and spiritual support to help patients and their families cope. 

Palliative care can be a crucial part of the treatment plan, especially for those with advanced lymphoma or challenging side effects. 

Supporting people diagnosed with lymphoma 

If someone you love has lymphoma, there are many ways to support them: 

  • Be there to listen and offer encouragement. 
  • Help with everyday tasks or transportation to medical appointments. 
  • Learn about their treatment plan so you can understand their needs. 
  • Encourage them to seek emotional or spiritual support when needed. 
  • Point them to the LLS Information Specialists, highly trained oncology social workers and nurses, who assist through treatment, financial, and social challenges 

LLS’s Lymphoma Research Impact 

At LLS, we’re leading the way to better and more effective treatment options for lymphoma through groundbreaking research. Over the past 75 years, we’ve supported the development of therapies that are improving survival rates and quality of life for people with lymphoma. 

Your support drives this progress. Every donation fuels new discoveries, supports families, and brings us closer to a cure. Donate to LLS today. 

Conclusion 

Lymphoma survival rates by age can vary widely, but advances in treatment and research are giving people new reasons to look ahead. Whether you’re a person diagnosed with lymphoma or supporting a loved one, remember that you’re not alone. LLS is here to stand with you, every step of the way. 

About the author: Dr. Ali is a medical journalist and copywriter. 

 

Sources 

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Hodgkin Lymphoma. Version 1.2024. 2024. 

Alaggio, Rita, Catalina Amador, Ioannis Anagnostopoulos, Ayoma D. Attygalle, Iguaracyra Barreto De Oliveira Araujo, Emilio Berti, Govind Bhagat, et al. 2022. “The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Lymphoid Neoplasms.” Leukemia 36 (7): 1720–48. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41375-022-01620-2.&nbsp;

“Hodgkin Lymphoma - Cancer Stat Facts.” n.d. SEER. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/hodg.html.&nbsp;

National Cancer Institute (US). 2024. “Childhood Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®).” PDQ Cancer Information Summaries - NCBI Bookshelf. October 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65726/.&nbsp;

“Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - Cancer Stat Facts.” n.d. SEER. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/nhl.html.&nbsp;

National Cancer Institute (US). 2023. “Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®).” PDQ Cancer Information Summaries - NCBI Bookshelf. May 18, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66057/.&nbsp;

Schmitz, Norbert, Matthias Stelljes, and Ali Bazarbachi. 2018. “Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.” In Springer eBooks, 633–41. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02278-5_85.&nbsp;

Ruppert, Amy S., Jesse G. Dixon, Gilles Salles, Anna Wall, David Cunningham, Viola Poeschel, Corinne Haioun, et al. 2020. “International prognostic indices in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a comparison of IPI, R-IPI, and NCCN-IPI.” Blood 135 (23): 2041–48. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2019002729.&nbsp;

Solal-Celigny, P., Pascal Roy, P. Colombat, J. White, J.O. Armitage, R. Arranz-Saez, W.Y. Au, et al. 2004. “Follicular lymphoma international prognostic index.” Blood 104 (5): 1258–65. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2003-12-4434.&nbsp;