Symptoms
Main symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma
Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- a painless lump or swelling, usually in your neck, armpit or groin – this is the most common symptom
- pain in the glands in your neck, armpit or groin when you drink alcohol
- a high temperature
- night sweats
- shortness of breath
- itchy skin
- sudden weight loss
See a GP if:
you have any symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma
Important
Some of these symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not definitely mean you have Hodgkin lymphoma. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.
This is because if they're caused by Hodgkin lymphoma, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful.
What happens at your GP appointment
The GP will ask about any symptoms and may feel for any lumps in your neck, armpit and the area at the top of your inner thigh (groin).
You may also be asked to have a blood test.
Referral to a specialist
The GP may refer you to see a specialist in hospital for more tests if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.
You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.
Find out more
Cancer Research UK: seeing your GP when you have symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma
Diagnosis
Main test for Hodgkin lymphoma (biopsy)
If a GP thinks you might have Hodgkin lymphoma, they’ll refer you to a specialist at a hospital for tests.
The main test for Hodgkin lymphoma is a biopsy, where a sample of cells is taken from your glands (lymph nodes) using a thin needle. The sample is checked for signs of cancer.
You will usually have either a local or general anaesthetic so you do not feel any pain during the test.
Find out more
Cancer Research UK: lymph node biopsy
Getting your results
You should get the results of a lymph node biopsy within 2 weeks.
Try not to worry if your results are taking longer. You can call the hospital or GP if you're worried. They should be able to update you.
A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.
If you're told you have Hodgkin lymphoma
Being told you have Hodgkin lymphoma can feel overwhelming. You may feel anxious about what will happen.
You'll be helped through your diagnosis and treatment by a team of specialists.
This team will usually include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after your treatment. You can ask them any questions you may have.
Get support
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.
They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.
Call 0808 808 0000.
Next steps
If you've been told you have Hodgkin lymphoma, you may need more tests which can include:
The results of these tests can show how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging.
This will help your specialist team decide what treatment you need.
Find out more
Lymphoma Action: tests, scans and lymphoma staging
Cancer Research UK: getting diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma
Treatment
Main treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma
The treatment you'll have for Hodgkin lymphoma depends on:
- the type you have
- where it is in your body
- if it has spread to other parts of your body
- what symptoms you have
- your general health
There are 2 types of Hodgkin lymphoma – classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL)
You may be offered a combination of treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other medicines that target the cancer cells.
If you have nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) you can sometimes delay treatment if your cancer is slow growing. This is called "watch and wait".
For most people, treatment will get rid of the lymphoma completely. But there is a risk that it might come back and you need more treatment. If this happens, treatment may still be able to get rid of the lymphoma completely.
Your specialist treatment team will:
- explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
- work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
- help you to manage the side effects of treatment
If you have any questions or worries, you can talk to your specialist team.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells. It's sometimes given alongside steroid medicine.
You may have chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma:
- as a first treatment, with or without radiotherapy
- if your first chemotherapy does not work, you may have a different type of chemotherapy instead.
Find out more
Macmillan Cancer Support: chemotherapy for lymphoma
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells in your glands (lymph nodes).
You may have radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma:
- after or with chemotherapy
- if you have large areas of lymphoma
Find out more
Cancer Research UK: radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma
Targeted medicines and immunotherapy
Targeted medicines kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy is where medicines are used to help your immune system kill cancer.
You may have targeted medicines or immunotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma:
if your cancer comes back after treatment or if treatment does not work
if you have nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL)
Find out more
Cancer Research UK: targeted and immunotherapy drugs for Hodgkin lymphoma
Stem cell transplant
A stem cell transplant is where damaged blood cells are replaced with healthy ones.
You may have a stem cell transplant if your cancer has come back after treatment.
Find out more
Cancer Research UK: stem cell transplant for Hodgkin lymphoma
Watch and wait
If your cancer is slow growing, you may not need to have treatment straight away. Instead you’ll have regular tests to monitor your lymphoma. You’ll be offered treatment when tests show you need it.
Delaying treatment may be an option if you have nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL).
Find out more
Macmillan Cancer Support: watch and wait for Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma and fertility
Some treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma can affect your ability to have children (fertility).
Speak to your specialist team before treatment if you want to have children in the future.
Find out more
Cancer Research UK: sex, fertility and Hodgkin lymphoma
What happens if you've been told your cancer cannot be cured
If you've been diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, it is sometimes harder to treat and not possible to cure.
The aim of treatment will be to slow down the growth and spread of the cancer, to help with the symptoms and help you live longer.
Finding out cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in.
You'll be referred to a team of doctors and nurses called a palliative care team or symptom control team.
They will help you to manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
The palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any other support you need.
Find out more
Macmillan Cancer Support: advanced cancer
Macmillan Cancer Support: end of life care
Help and support for Hodgkin lymphoma
Where to find help and support
If you have Hodgkin lymphoma, your specialist treatment team will be there to support you throughout your treatment. They will also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.
There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information about Hodgkin lymphoma.
Blood Cancer UK
Information and support for anyone affected by Hodgkin lymphoma.
Website: www.bloodcancer.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 208 0888
Blood Cancer UK: online community forum
Lymphoma Action
Information and support for anyone affected by Hodgkin lymphoma.
Website: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 5555
Lymphoma Action: helpline services, including live chat and email
Lymphoma Action: online support meetings
Macmillan Cancer Support
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 0000
Macmillan Cancer Support: Hodgkin lymphoma online forum
Macmillan Cancer Support: email the Macmillan support line
Macmillan Cancer Support: find local cancer support services
Cancer Research UK
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
Cancer Research UK: ask our nurses a question by email
Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial
Cancer Research UK: support for children and their families
Marie Curie
Care and support for anyone affected by terminal illness.
Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 090 2309
Marie Curie: care and support services