Hodgkin Lymphoma Symptoms and Signs

December 30, 2025

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Alex Herrera, M.D., professor, division of lymphoma, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Duarte

Not everyone with Hodgkin lymphoma has symptoms, and some of the most common may be mistaken for other conditions. Some symptoms may change over time. Patients who notice changes in their bodies that they don’t understand and can’t explain should bring them to a doctor’s attention.

Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma

A painless lump is typically the first sign of Hodgkin lymphoma, but other symptoms may occur as well. Following are the most common signs. 

Swollen Lymph Nodes

A lump from an enlarged lymph node is the most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma. These lumps may develop anywhere, but are more likely to be found:

• In the neck
• Under the arm
• In the groin

While the lump may not be painful, it may hurt after drinking alcohol. A lump might grow over time. More lumps might appear elsewhere in the body.

It’s important to note that Hodgkin lymphoma is often not the cause when a lymph node is enlarged. In children, swollen lymph nodes may be from an infection. Lymph nodes that swell due to an infection are known as reactive or hyperplastic nodes. They may be painful to the touch. Infected lymph nodes should return to normal size once the infection, which may need to be treated, is gone. Swollen lymph nodes may also be due to other cancers. A doctor may help determine the cause.

Night Sweats

Some people with lymphoma may experience night sweats, which may even cause them to wake up drenched. A possible reason for this symptom is that lymphoma cells release inflammatory chemicals in the blood. It also may be an immune system reaction to the lymphoma cells. Sometimes sweating is heavy during the day, too.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma lose weight without trying. Losing 10% of body weight over six months may be part of a cluster of symptoms. Unexpected weight loss may also be related to other issues, so it's important to see a doctor about this symptom.

Other Common Hodgkin Lymphoma Symptoms

People with Hodgkin lymphoma may also experience the following symptoms.

• Fever that cannot be explained: A fever is defined as higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. In this case, there is no apparent infection that could be causing the fever.
• Constant fatigue or tiredness: Cancer uses energy and nutrients that the body needs to function. In some people with Hodgkin lymphoma, fatigue is the only symptom.
• Cough and shortness of breath: This is likely due to enlarged lymph nodes pressing on the lungs that may be discovered during a chest X-ray.
• Itching: The skin may be itchy all over or in one spot after bathing or alcohol use. The cause of this itching, which may be severe, is not known.
• Little or no appetite: Loss of appetite is another symptom that is common in people with Hodgkin lymphoma. Appetite loss may be due to an enlarged spleen pressing on the abdomen and causing a feeling of fullness.
• Pain or swelling in the abdomen: This symptom is likely due to an enlarged spleen (though, it is rare).
• Sensitivity to alcohol or lymph node pain after drinking: Alcohol increases blood flow through the lymph nodes. A sensitivity may be the response to the alcohol.

Lymphoma B Symptoms

Three symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma, called B symptoms, help doctors determine the stage of cancer and a patient’s prognosis. Known as B symptoms, these include:

• A fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit that is not caused by an infection
• Unexplained weight loss of 10% or more over the last six months
• Night sweats that soak sheets and bedclothes

Having or not having these B symptoms helps doctors determine which treatment is most appropriate.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Signs

Changes in the body that a patient sees or feels are symptoms. Signs are objective changes that the doctor sees when examining the patient or measurable results in laboratory tests. Not all patients with Hodgkin lymphoma have the same signs and symptoms, and many signs are not noticeable enough to make a definitive Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. Some signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma are the same as those in other cancers and other conditions.

Abnormal Blood Cell Counts

One sign that a patient may have Hodgkin lymphoma is abnormal blood cell counts — red, white or platelets. With Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood test may detect low red blood cells or high white blood cells if the lymphoma impacts the bone marrow. These signs don't always point to lymphoma, but it's important to work with a doctor to find the cause.

Presence of Reed-Sternberg Cells

Another more definitive sign is the presence of Hodgkin lymphoma cells — known as Reed-Sternberg cells — as confirmed in a lymph node biopsy or, less often, a bone marrow biopsy.

Abnormal Imaging Findings

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans (typically combined with CT scans during an imaging service referred to as a CT/PET scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also reveal other telltale signs, including whether lymphoma has affected other organs.