Hodgkin’s Disease Symptoms
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Symptoms of Hodgkin's Disease
Swollen lymph nodes under the arms, in the groin, and in the neck are usually a sign of the body's immune response to a virus or infection. In some cases, however, the swelling may be caused by another condition, like cancer.
Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma characterized by the spread and accumulation of malignant lymphocytes (white blood cells) within the lymph nodes. Painless lumps in the armpits, groin, or behind the neck that either do not go away or keep coming back are often a sign of lymphoma.
If symptoms are present, they may vary depending on the location and rate of spread. Lymph nodes are located all across the network of lymph vessels, so it's possible for the disease to develop anywhere throughout the body where the nodes are present. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the neck, armpits, groin area, abdomen, pelvis and chest.
General Hodgkin's Disease Symptoms
The following are some potential symptoms of Hodgkin's disease:
- Fever
- Night sweats (often soaking the sheets)
- Feeling tired all the time
- Decreased appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itchy skin (pruritus)
- Coughing or trouble breathing
- Back pain
NOTE: These symptoms may be attributed to a number of conditions other than cancer, such as an infection or other illness. It is important to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Although these Hodgkin's disease symptoms could be caused by a number of other conditions, if you experience these symptoms for an extended period of time, or if the symptoms repeatedly go away and then return, you should see your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your symptoms.
B Symptoms
Certain symptoms play a role in the staging process. These are called the B symptoms. The staging process generally rates the extent and spread of cancer using Roman numerals I-IV.
The staging of Hodgkin's disease is unique in that it also assigns the letters "A" and "B" to each stage. The letters refer to whether or not certain symptoms are present. The letter "B" indicates that a person is experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: drenching night sweats, fever, or weight loss. If none of these symptoms are present, than the letter "A" is used. B symptoms may factor into the overall prognosis and may be signs of a more advanced cancer.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms may be signs of other conditions. Sometimes, you may only experience one symptom that persists and does not go away. Typically, symptoms from an infection will go away after a couple of weeks.
If you have swollen lymph nodes, fever, or night sweats that last longer than two weeks or are constantly recurring, you should see a doctor. Dramatic weight loss in a short amount of time, like losing more than 10 percent of your normal weight in less than six months, should also be a sign to seek medical attention.
Sometimes, the only symptom you may have will be constant fatigue. Malignant cancer in the chest area may cause shortness of breath or persistent coughing to develop in some people. Certain symptoms, like back pain or changes in sensitivity to alcohol, may also be related to Hodgkin's disease.
Having one or more symptom does not mean you have lymphoma. However, it is important to seek treatment for high fever or any extreme pain. Taking note of symptoms that last longer than two weeks or that keep coming back may help you and your doctor identify the cause.
Next Topic: Hodgkin's Disease Diagnosis
