Signs and Symptoms

The most common early sign of Hodgkin lymphoma is painless swelling (enlargement) of one or more lymph nodes. Most people have affected lymph nodes in the upper part of their body, usually the neck or upper chest. Sometimes you can feel the affected lymph node(s) in your armpit, stomach area or groin.

In addition to swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include:

• Fever without an obvious cause*
• Drenching sweats, especially at night*
• Unexplained weight loss*
• A persistent cough
• Shortness of breath during normal activity
• Tiredness or no energy
• Itchy skin
• Lymph node pain after drinking alcohol
• An enlarged spleen
  

Some Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms are associated with other, less serious illnesses.

*The first three symptoms are also called ‘B’ symptoms