Hodgkin lymphoma

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma

Main symptom

  • A painless swelling in the lymph nodes, in your neck, armpit or groin. These lumps may come and go

Other symptoms

  • Night sweats – these can be drenching
  • High temperatures or fevers
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
  • Itchy skin
  • Skin rash

You may hear these called ‘B’ symptoms.

Symptoms from lymphoma in other areas of the body

You can have lymphoma diagnosed in other areas of your body. If lymphoma is affecting somewhere else in your body the symptoms will be different. For example:

  • Lymphoma in your bowel or stomach: Abdominal pain, diarrhoea or indigestion
  • Lymphoma in your chest area: Cough or difficulty swallowing
  • Lymphoma in your skin: Rough, red patches of skin

All these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s important to go to the GP and get any unusual changes checked out. 

Can I be screened for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Testing for Hodgkin lymphoma when you have no symptoms is called screening. There is no lymphoma screening programme. This is because there have been no tests proven to help predict lymphoma. If you are worried about lymphoma, contact your family doctor (GP).

Talk to a Cancer Nurse

Support Line

Support Line

Our Cancer Nurses offer confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer. Call or email supportline@irishcancer.ie. Video calls available. Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Support Line
Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.
Our Daffodil Centres