The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is one or more enlarged (swollen) lymph nodes. The enlarged lymph node may be in the neck, upper chest, armpit, abdomen or groin. The swollen lymph node is usually painless.
Other signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include
- Drenching night sweats*
- Unexplained weight loss*
- Unexplained fever*
- Persistent fatigue
- Persistent cough and shortness of breath (due to enlarged lymph nodes in the chest)
- Itchy skin, especially after bathing or drinking alcohol
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain or swelling and feeling of fullness (due to an enlarged spleen)
- Occasional pain in lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
*B symptoms. Fever, drenching night sweats and loss of more than 10 percent of body weight over six months are sometimes termed "B symptoms." These symptoms are significant to the prognosis and staging of the disease.
Some Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms are associated with other, less serious illnesses. However, if you're troubled by any of the above symptoms, see your doctor.
Related Links
- Download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's free booklet, Hodgkin Lymphoma.