About Follicular Lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is typically a slow-growing or indolent form of non- Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that arises from B-lymphocytes, making it a B-cell lymphoma. This lymphoma subtype accounts for 20 to 30 percent of all NHL cases.

Follicular lymphoma is usually not considered to be curable, instead categorized as more of a chronic disease. Patients can live for many years with this form of lymphoma.

1. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin (painless and persistent)
2. Fatigue or a general feeling of tiredness
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Night sweats
5. Fever without infection
6. Feeling full quickly or abdominal discomfort, if lymph nodes or spleen are enlarged

1. Recurring infections due to weakened immune function

Because symptoms can develop gradually, it’s common for follicular lymphoma to go undetected for some time. If you’re experiencing these signs or have persistent lymph node swelling, speak with your healthcare provider.

Follicular Lymphoma Diagnosis

Follicular lymphoma is often diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, blood tests, imaging scans, and most importantly, a lymph node biopsy. Because it is a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, symptoms may be mild or absent in early stages.

Patients are typically referred to a hematologist-oncologist after abnormal test results or persistent symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or night sweats. Learn more about non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.

Follicular Lymphoma Treatment Options

Follicular lymphoma treatment is tailored to each patient’s health, stage, and symptom severity. Common approaches include:

1. Active surveillance (“watch and wait”) for early-stage, asymptomatic patients
2. Monoclonal antibody therapy (e.g., rituximab)
3. Immunotherapy or targeted therapies
4. Chemotherapy, often in combination with other drugs
5. Radiation therapy for localized disease

Clinical trials may also be available for eligible patients seeking newer, cutting-edge treatments.

Support for Patients & Caregivers

A follicular lymphoma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The Lymphoma Research Foundation offers free programs and services to help patients and caregivers navigate every step of the journey:

Lymphoma Support Helpline – Speak with an oncology social worker for one-on-one emotional support and guidance.

Peer Support Program – Be matched with someone who’s been through a similar diagnosis.

Understanding Lymphoma Webinars – Learn from experts about treatment options, living well with lymphoma, and more.

Ask the Doctor Events – Join live Q&A events to get answers to your most pressing questions.

Learn More

To learn more about FL, download the Follicular Lymphoma Fact Sheet. Want to talk to someone? For answers to lymphoma-related questions 
and resources, contact our Helpline at (800) 500-9976 or helpline@lymphoma.org.