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Understanding Hodgkin Lymphoma -- Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include:

Painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes, without a recent infection
Symptoms stemming from pressure of swollen lymph nodes on nearby organs or structures. They may include a cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain and/or swelling, a Horner's syndrome (a neurological problem affecting the face and eyes, due to damage to nerves in the neck), nerve pain, and leg swelling
Fever, either persistent or alternating with periods of normal temperatures, for 14 consecutive days or longer. These fevers usually occur twice daily, usually in the late afternoon and early evening, and rarely are greater than 102 degrees Farenheit
Pain in lymph nodes or abdomen after drinking alcohol
Drenching night sweats and/or chills lasting for 14 consecutive days or longer
Unintentional weight loss (more than 10% over six months)
Bone pain
Increased susceptibility to infections
Total body itching

Recommended Related to Hodgkin's Disease

Understanding Hodgkin Lymphoma -- the Basics

Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, is a type of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of nodes (knots of tissue) connected by vessels that drain fluid and waste products from the body. The lymph nodes act as tiny filters, straining out foreign and cells. The lymphatic system also is involved in producing important white blood cells called lymphocytes that help protect you against various infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi...

Read the Understanding Hodgkin Lymphoma -- the Basics article > >

The symptoms of fever, chills, night sweats, and weight loss, occur in 30% of people with Hodgkin lymphoma, usually older adults. These symptoms are usually associated with a more advanced, and more aggressive, disease, with a poorer prognosis. The presence of these symptoms require extra staging studies, such as a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Call Your Doctor About Hodgkin Lymphoma If:

You notice one or more painless, swollen lymph nodes and you have not had a recent infection
You develop an unexplained fever, either persistent or interspersed with periods of normal temperature, for 14 consecutive days or longer
You regularly awaken at night drenched in sweat, for at least 14 consecutive days
You begin to lose weight unintentionally
You have unexplained abdominal pain or swelling
You develop an unexplained cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing
You have unexplainable, severe itching of your skin
You begin to contract more frequent infections