Signs and Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a type of lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system.  There are two main types of lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Of these, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is far more common. In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the cells of the lymphatic system called lymphocytes grow abnormally, and may spread beyond the lymphatic system. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms Hodgkin’s lymphoma below.

The Signs and Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are as follows:

• Painless enlargement of the lymph nodes
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain in the lymph nodes after alcohol consumption
• Lower back pain
• Low-grade fever
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain

The signs and symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are easily confused with other illnesses, such as the flu. If you have signs and symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, see your doctor for a full health assessment.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs in two age clusters – between ages fifteen and thirty-five, and after age fifty-five. The overall prognosis for Hodgkin’s lymphoma is very good, and it has the potential for full recovery, regardless of what stage it is diagnosed in.

Diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

A definitive diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is made through a biopsy of the lymph node. Other tests include x-rays, a CT scan or an MRI. A PET scan is used to find smaller masses than those found with a CT scan.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin Lymphoma Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Information about Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, clinical trials, research, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/hodgkin

• Lymphoma Research Foundation

This webpage offers patient-friendly information on the warning signs of Hodgkin lymphoma,(aka Hodgkin’s) along with information on its biology, treatment options and more.

http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=chKOI6PEImE&b=1574105

• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Learn about Hodgkin Lymphoma. Understand exactly what Hodgkin Lymphoma is, get general lymphoma information and explore our lymphoma resources.

http://www.lls.org/diseaseinformation/lymphoma/hodgkinlymphoma/

• Lymphoma Info . net

Information on Hodgkin’s Disease, also known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

http://www.lymphomainfo.net/hodgkins/description.html

• Daily Strength

Discuss Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with others who understand what you’re going through.

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Hodgkins-Lymphoma/forum

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Connect with others who’ve been there. Share stories. Learn. Join Mayo Clinic’s Hodgkin’s lymphoma — formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hodgkins-disease/DS00186

• Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000580.htm