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Signs of Hodgkins Disease

According to the National Institutes of Health, Hodgkin's disease is a form of lymphoma. Lymphoma is defined as a cancer of the lymph nodes, liver, spleen or bone marrow. Swelling of the lymph nodes is the most common early symptom. The causes of Hodgkin's disease are unknown. The condition is usually diagnosed by a procedure known as a biopsy, where a piece of tissue is surgically removed and examined under a microscope.

  1. Lymph Swelling

    • Both Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma exhibit some of the same early symptoms. These include swelling of the lymph nodes found in the neck, groin, armpits or collarbone areas.

    Physical Signs of Lymph Swelling

    • The physical signs may be quite obvious, depending on the location of the swollen lymph nodes. Swelling in the abdomen results in a swollen stomach that resembles pregnancy in women. Swollen lymph nodes in the chest may cause chest pain.

    Other Symptoms

    • Along with swelling of the lymph nodes, night sweats, itchy skin, fever and unexplained weight loss are all symptoms of Hodgkin's disease, according to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.

    When to Seek Medical Help

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, anyone with symptoms lasting more than two weeks or has symptoms that repeatedly appear and go away should seek medical attention.

    Swollen Lymph Nodes in Children

    • Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by infections. This is often the case in children, according to the Oncology Channel. If the infections cause swelling, then the lymph node will return to normal size after the infection clears.

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