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Health A-Z

Medical Content Created by the Faculty of the
Harvard Medical School

Symptoms

The most common early symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a swollen lymph node. It is often felt as a painless lump in the neck, armpit, or groin.

Other symptoms include:

  • Persistent fever

  • Feeling very tired and weak

  • Weight loss

  • Night sweats

  • Itchy skin

  • Cough or trouble breathing

  • Pain in the lymph nodes after drinking alcohol

In most cases, these symptoms are not caused by cancer. However, it is important to see a doctor if you or your child experiences any of them for more than two weeks.

Hodgkin's disease is different from another common form of lymphoma, called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The two diseases share some similarities, but there are many differences in the response to treatments. This makes the distinction between the two diseases very important.

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From Health A-Z, Harvard Health Publications. Copyright 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to reproduce, in any manner, in whole or in part, the material contained herein. To make a reprint request, contact Harvard Health Publications. Used with permission of StayWell.

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