Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Eric Berry has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after a series of tests.

The 25-year-old was placed on the non-football injury list by the Chiefs last month after doctors discovered a mass on his chest, which following further examination has been confirmed as a lymphoma.

"This is a diagnosis that is very treatable and potentially curable with standard chemotherapy approaches," Dr Christopher Flowers said in a statement. "The goal of Mr Berry's treatment is to cure his lymphoma and we are beginning that treatment now."

Berry added: "My family and I are very grateful for the amount of support we have received over the last couple of weeks. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate all the words of encouragement, the blessings and well wishes.

"I want to thank the Emory University School of Medicine, along with Dr. Flowers and his team, for all of their hard work and effort in diagnosing and creating a plan for me to battle this thing."

Berry has been in the NFL for five seasons since being selected in the first round of the 2010 Draft.