Lymphoma, Hodgkin
Themost commonsymptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some peoplefind thatit aches.
The swelling is caused by an excess of affected lymphocytes (white blood cells) collecting in a lymph node (also called lymph glands). Lymph nodes are pea-sized lumps of tissue found throughout the body. They contain white blood cells that help to fight infection.
However, it's highly unlikely that you have Hodgkin lymphoma if you have Swollen glands , as these glands often swellas a response to infection.
These can include:
Other symptoms will depend on where in the body the enlarged lymph glands are. For example, if the abdomen (tummy) is affected, you may have abdominal pain or indigestion
A few people with lymphoma have abnormal cells in their bone marrow when they're diagnosed. Thismay lead to:
Insome cases, people with Hodgkin lymphoma experience pain in theirlymph glands when they drink alcohol.
See your GP if youhave any of the above symptoms, particularly if you have persistently swollen glands with no other signs of infection.
While the symptoms are unlikely to be caused by Hodgkin lymphoma, it is best to get them checked out.
Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body.
The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches.
Hodgkin lymphoma is caused by a change (mutation) in the DNA of a type of white blood cell called B lymphocytes, although the exact reason why this happens isn't known.
If you see your GP because you're concerned about symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma, they'll ask about your health and carry out a simple physical examination.
Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be treated successfully with chemotherapy alone, or chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.
Some people treated for Hodgkin lymphoma experience long-term problems, even if they've been cured.