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This comprehensive booklet for people with Hodgkin lymphoma, their families, and caregivers includes a glossary of terms and details on what to expect during each stage of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
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Hodgkin lymphoma signs and symptoms
The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is one or more enlarged (swollen) lymph nodes. The enlarged lymph node may be in the neck, upper chest, armpit, abdomen or groin. The swollen lymph node is usually painless.
Other signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include
- Drenching night sweats*
- Unexplained weight loss*
- Unexplained fever*
- Tiredness
- Cough and shortness of breath (due to enlarged lymph nodes in the chest)
- Itchy skin
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach pain or swelling and feeling of fullness (due to an enlarged spleen)
- Occasional pain in lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
*B symptoms. Fever, drenching night sweats and loss of more than 10 percent of body weight over six months are sometimes termed "B symptoms." These symptoms are significant to the prognosis and staging of the disease.
Some Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms are associated with other, less serious illnesses. However, if you're troubled by any of the above symptoms, see your doctor.
The information on this page covers how Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed in adults. Visit childhood Hodgkin lymphoma to learn about signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information for children with Hodgkin lymphoma.
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