Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms

The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is one or more swellings or lumps in the neck or above the collarbone. These are swollen lymph nodes (also called lymph glands).

Hodgkin lymphoma can also cause swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, groin or any other part the body. If the affected node is deeper in your body, rather than just beneath the surface of your skin, then the swelling may not be visible.

If you have swollen lymph nodes deep in your body, they might cause symptoms by pressing against other organs. For example, if you develop Hodgkin lymphoma in your chest you may have chest pain, a persistent cough or breathlessness.

Usually, the swollen lymph nodes are painless. But some people with Hodgkin lymphoma get pain in their lymph nodes after drinking alcohol.

Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma get these symptoms:

• drenching night sweats (that soak through your clothes or bedding)
• a high temperature (fever)
• unexplained weight loss

Doctors call these things B symptoms. Having or not having B symptoms can affect which treatment is right for you, because they can show how active the lymphoma has become.

Other symptoms that can sometimes happen to people with Hodgkin lymphoma include:

• tiredness (fatigue)
• itching
• increased risk of infections
• excessive bleeding – such as nosebleeds, heavier periods than usual and spots of blood under the skin.

You should see your GP if you have swollen lymph nodes, especially if you haven’t had a recent infection, or you have any of the other symptoms on this page.

Most people with these symptoms won’t have cancer, but it’s important to get them checked.

If you’re in remission from Hodgkin lymphoma and notice any of these symptoms you should contact your hospital team.