Yes, having psoriasis — regardless of where it appears on your body — is associated with a slightly higher risk of lymphoma compared to the general population. The location of your psoriasis (like your scalp) doesn't change this risk. It's the underlying immune system activity that plays a role. That said, the overall risk Show Full Answer
Yes, having psoriasis — regardless of where it appears on your body — is associated with a slightly higher risk of lymphoma compared to the general population. The location of your psoriasis (like your scalp) doesn't change this risk. It's the underlying immune system activity that plays a role. That said, the overall risk is still relatively small. For context, the general population has about a 2.1% chance of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Having psoriasis raises those odds somewhat, but it does not mean you will develop lymphoma. It's worth knowing the common symptoms to watch for, including:
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or coughing
- Abdominal pain or swelling
Keep in mind these symptoms can have many causes, so having them doesn't automatically mean lymphoma. The best steps to take are to let your doctor know about any changes in your health, stay up to date with recommended health screenings, and discuss the risks of any psoriasis treatments you're using — some medications like methotrexate have been linked to a slightly higher lymphoma risk.
As one MyPsoriasisTeam member shared about biologics: "Don't be afraid of biologics — they actually made my life much better." The key is having open conversations with your healthcare provider about what's right for you.
August 23
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