Many people with Hodgkin lymphoma initially have few or only 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; and unexpected weight loss. Other symptoms may include ongoing tiredness; rash or itching; unexplained cough; and 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.
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Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital, and Senior Lecturer, The University of Sydney and Macquarie University; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney; Dr Silvia Ling, Haematologist, Liverpool Hospital; Karen Maddock, Haematology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Westmead Hospital; Mary Mobayed, Consumer; Jan Priaulx, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW.
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