Symptoms of Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer found in the lymphatic system. Formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease, this cancer is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg Cells. These malignant cells accumulate in the lymph nodes of the body and spread or metastasize in an orderly manner. The signs and symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are sometimes dependent on which part of the body is affected.

Ø Lymph nodes – when the malignant cells are collected and proliferate in the lymph nodes, they can cause swelling and enlargement. The enlarged lymph nodes are more than 2cm in size, rubbery, and non-tender (meaning they are not painful when touched or manipulated). 

Ø Chest – when lymphoma has reached the chest, the person has difficulty of breathing, chest pain, and persistent cough. These symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are due to the lymph nodes interfering with the passage of air by compressing the airway. It can also be very difficult if the malignancy has metastasized (spread) in the lungs. 

Ø Liver and Spleen – when the lymphoma has reached the liver and spleen, the abdomen will be distended due to liver and spleen enlargement (hepatomegaly and splenomegaly respectively). The manifested symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma include anorexia, feeling of fullness, nausea and vomiting.  

Ø Bone marrow and spleen – remember that a mutated cell will not properly perform physiologically. When the bone marrow and spleen are affected, the production of red blood cells as well as storage will be compromised. The bone marrow produces blood cells while the spleen stores them. The result would be anemia, giving rise to symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma such as weakness or easy fatigability.  

Ø Nerves and spinal cord – if the lymphoma is compressing on a nerve ending or nerve tissue pain, paresthesia, muscle weakness and even paralysis can be among the symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

Other symptoms of lymphoma include night sweats and unexplained fever.   It is important to know that these signs and symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma can occur at any stage. Problem with high-grade types of lymphoma, these signs and symptoms appear when the cancer is already at Stage III and Stage IV. Once you experience these signs and symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 2 weeks or more, you have to consult a doctor to determine the presence of lymphoma.