Many people with Hodgkin lymphoma have few or mild symptoms, so it can be hard to diagnose. The most common symptom is a painless swelling in the neck, under the arm or in the groin. This swelling is caused by enlarged lymph nodes.
Hodgkin lymphoma can cause what are known as “B symptoms”:
- fever with no obvious cause
- lots of sweating, especially at night
- losing weight without trying.
Other symptoms may include:
- ongoing tiredness
- rash or itching
- unexplained cough
- shortness of breath.
These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, such as the flu or other viruses. Most people with these symptoms do not have Hodgkin lymphoma. However, if you have symptoms without any obvious cause, see your doctor.
More resources
Dr Abir Bhattacharyya, Bone Marrow Transplant and General Haematologist, Westmead Hospital; Katrina Debosz, Blood Cancer Nurse Practitioner, Institute of Haematology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Taylah Dvorak, Consumer; Erinna Ford, Consumer; Dr Nada Hamad, Senior Staff Specialist, Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapies, and Clinical and Laboratory Haematologist, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney; Suzanne Hough, Senior Clinical Dietitian, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Westmead Hospital; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Samantha Rennie, Social Worker – Haematology, St George Hospital, Sydney.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
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