Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) starts in lymphocytes (white blood cells) within the lymphatic system, typically beginning as a painless swelling in lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or chest, but it can originate in other lymph nodes or lymphoid tissues and spread through the system. It's characterized by the presence of large, abnormal cancer cells called Reed-Sternberg cells and is often found first in the upper body nodes, with potential spread to the spleen, liver, or bone marrow.
Hodgkin lymphoma usually begins in the lymph nodes, the small, bean-shaped organs that filter harmful substances. These nodes are located throughout your body, including your neck, armpits, and groin.
The most common early symptom is swollen lymph nodes in your neck, upper chest, armpit, belly or groin.
Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include:
Bowel problems such as diarrhoea, constipation and wind (flatulence) can happen with lymphoma and its treatment for a number of reasons, including: the effects of the lymphoma itself.
Common symptoms of having lymphoma include swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, in your armpits or your groin. This is often but not always painless and often could be associated with fevers, or unexplained weight loss, or drenching night sweats, sometimes chills, persistent fatigue.
Signs of lymphoma can include: Enlarged lymph node in the neck, shoulder or chest (most common symptom) Enlarged liver or pain on the upper left side of the abdomen.
A biopsy of an enlarged lymph node is needed to diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma. The preferred and most common type of biopsy is called an “excisional biopsy,” in which the whole lymph node is typically removed (excised).
The lumps may be confined to one area of the body, such as the neck, or develop in multiple areas, such as the neck, armpits and groin. Lymphoma lumps have a rubbery feel and are usually painless. While some lymphoma lumps develop within a matter of days, others can take months or even years to become noticeable.
About 80 percent of all patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma can be cured by current treatment approaches. The cure rate is higher, approaching 90 percent, in younger patients with early-stage favorable disease. Even if disease recurs, many patients can be cured with further treatment.
Complete blood count (CBC) abnormalities can occur with multiple complications of lymphoma and should be obtained in the workup of probable lymphoma. However, many patients with lymphoma, even aggressive lymphoma, will have a normal CBC and this should not be considered evidence against a lymphoma diagnosis.
The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system and includes the various lymph glands around the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma most commonly occurs in a lymph node but it can also occur in the liver, spleen, stomach or bones.
Heartburn can develop as a result of chronic conditions as well as factors such as overeating or consuming specific foods. While heartburn is unlikely to cause swollen glands (swollen lymph nodes), it is possible that other conditions such as infections may coexist with heartburn and lead also to swollen lymph nodes.
NHL most often affects adults, but children can get it too. See Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children. NHL usually starts in lymph nodes or other lymph tissue, but it can sometimes affect the skin.
Who is more likely to get Hodgkin lymphoma
Some cases may progress slowly over a period of months or even years, while others can spread more rapidly. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help control and potentially stop the spread of the disease.
The most common symptom of lymphoma is a painless swelling or lump in the neck, armpit or groin. This is caused by lymphoma cells building up in the lymph nodes, which makes them bigger.
With lymphoma, you can itch anywhere on your body, but it's common on the lower legs, hands, feet, torso (between waist and shoulders), or near affected lymph nodes, often worsening at night and without a typical rash, feeling deep and unrelieved by scratching. This itchiness is caused by immune chemicals (cytokines) irritating nerve endings, and can be a symptom of both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Overall, the average age at diagnosis is 39. Hodgkin lymphoma is rare in children younger than 5 years old, but it's the most common cancer diagnosed in adolescents ages 15 to 19 years. For statistics related to survival, see Survival Rates for Hodgkin Lymphoma by Stage.
Warning signs of Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) often include painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin), persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, and significant weight loss, along with symptoms like itching, cough, shortness of breath, or pain in the chest/abdomen, especially after drinking alcohol. These signs can also point to other conditions, so seeing a doctor for proper diagnosis is crucial.
Tests to measure the level of activity of certain proteins in your blood, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or Beta-2 microglobulin. Levels of these proteins can be high in people who have lymphoma.
MRI scan. An MRI scan is another test that can show how far the Hodgkin lymphoma has spread. It uses magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. You will usually have an MRI instead of a PET-CT scan if you are pregnant.
Lymphomas that start or grow in the abdomen (belly) can cause swelling or pain in the abdomen. This could be from lymph nodes or organs, such as the spleen or liver, getting bigger. It can also be caused by the buildup of large amounts of fluid.
While stress can impact overall health, there is no direct evidence linking stress alone to the development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The disease's causes are multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
Some infections can cause symptoms similar to lymphoma: