Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms

The most common symptom of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin or armpit. Although these swellings can ache, they are usually painless. The swelling is caused by B-lymphocytes multiplying uncontrollably and accumulating in the lymph nodes.
Some of the more general symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are described below:

  • Fever
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Coughing and breathlessness
  • Itchy skin
  • Susceptibility to infection

Further symptom details

  • If lymph nodes are swollen, it is usually the lymph nodes in the neck and shoulders that are enlarged. The lymph nodes of the chest may also be affected but these need to be assessed using imaging studies such as chest X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan.
  • In around a third of patients, the spleen may be enlarged. The enlargement is rarely massive and the spleen may fluctuate in size throughout treatment.
  • Around 5% of patients develop an enlarged liver.
  • Involved lymph nodes can become painful after drinking alcohol, although this only occurs in around 2% to 3% of cases. The pain typically begins within minutes of drinking alcohol and is often reported to be either a dull ache or a sharp and stabbing pain.
  • Some patients complain of non-specific back pain, although the lower back is the area most frequently affected.
  • Some patients have abnormal cells in their bone marrow at diagnosis, which can disrupt levels of blood cells and lead to symptoms such as heavy periods, nosebleeds and blood spots under the skin.

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jul 6, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, July 06). Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms. News-Medical. Retrieved on December 22, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Hodgkins-Lymphoma-Symptoms.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms". News-Medical. 22 December 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Hodgkins-Lymphoma-Symptoms.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Hodgkins-Lymphoma-Symptoms.aspx. (accessed December 22, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms. News-Medical, viewed 22 December 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Hodgkins-Lymphoma-Symptoms.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.