Lymphoma - Non-Hodgkin: Late Effects of Treatment

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 11/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the late effects of treatment, which are side effects that can occur long after treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has ended. Use the menu to see other pages.

People who have been treated for lymphoma have an increased risk of developing other diseases or conditions later in life, called late effects. Late effects happen because cancer medications and radiation therapy can cause permanent damage to healthy parts of the body. Treatments have improved in the last 30 years, and now people who are treated for lymphoma recently are less likely to experience late effects. However, there is still some risk. Therefore, it is important for people to receive follow-up care to watch for the following late effects.

  • People who have received radiation therapy to the pelvis, high doses of cyclophosphamide, and high-dose chemotherapy for bone marrow transplantation are at risk for infertility. Learn more about fertility concerns and preservation.

  • All survivors of NHL have a higher risk of developing a secondary cancer. This increased risk continues for up to 20 years after treatment. The most common secondary cancers include cancer of the lung, brain, kidney, or bladder; melanoma; Hodgkin lymphoma; or leukemia.

  • Women who received radiation therapy to the chest before age 35 have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

  • People who have received doxorubicin-based chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the chest may be at higher risk for developing heart problems, such as heart failure, valvular disease, pericarditis, and rhythm abnormalities.

  • Adults who have received radiation therapy to the chest area may be at risk for lung damage and shortness of breath later in life.

  • People who have received radiation therapy to the neck have an increased risk of having low levels of thyroid hormones later in life.

  • People who have received a bone marrow/stem cell transplant or previous high-doses of chemotherapy may be at higher risk for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Learn more about the basics of late effects of cancer treatment.

The next section in this guide is Follow-up Care. It explains the importance of checkups after you finish cancer treatment. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.