Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hodgkin Lymphoma Symptoms - Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment in India

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of your body's immune system. This short explains some of the common signs and symptoms to be aware of.

Common symptoms

The most frequent sign of Hodgkin's lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, but other symptoms can also occur.

• Swollen lymph nodes. You may notice a lump, which is not usually painful, in your neck, armpit, or groin.
• Persistent fever. A high temperature that comes and goes over several days or weeks without an obvious cause like an infection can be a symptom.
• Night sweats. Some people experience drenching night sweats that are severe enough to require changing bedsheets or nightclothes.
• Unexplained weight loss. This refers to losing a significant amount of weight, such as 10% of your body weight over six months, without dieting.

Other possible signs

• Constant fatigue. Feeling extremely tired and lacking energy, even after resting, is a common symptom.
• Itchy skin. Some people develop a persistent itch over their whole body that cannot be explained by other skin conditions.
• Cough or breathlessness. If the lymphoma affects lymph nodes in the chest, it can press on the airways, causing a cough or shortness of breath.
• Pain after drinking alcohol. A less common symptom is pain in the affected lymph nodes soon after drinking alcohol.

It is important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by many other, less serious conditions. A diagnosis can only be made by a specialist after a full evaluation, which includes reviewing your medical reports and recent imaging.