DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage IIIA or stage IVA B-cell follicular small cleaved cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Tumor cells express CD20 No prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy Stable disease that would otherwise be observed OR Histologically proven relapsed Hodgkin's disease of any stage Tumor cells express CD20 Bidimensionally measurable disease Masses (e.g., enlarged lymph nodes) must be at least 1.5 cm X 1.5 cm by CT, MRI, or x-ray Splenic enlargement considered measurable if spleen palpable at least 3 cm below the left costal margin No CNS lymphoma