Hodgkin's Disease Signs & Symptoms - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Cancers

Hodgkin's Disease

Signs and Symptoms

Because Hodgkin's disease does not cause pain during the initial stages, it can be difficult for patient's to notice and doctor's to diagnose. Since this disease affects the lymphatic system, one of the first major signs of this disease is that lymph nodes start to enlarge and become noticeable in the neck and underarm.

It is important to note that most lymph nodes can routinely swell during our lifetime, especially in children as a result of an infection, but they will return to normal after the infection is cured.

The method by which a doctor must distinguish the difference between a swelling node caused by a normal infection and Hodgkin’s lymphoma is that a normally infected inflammated node will return to it's normal size, - while the cancer inflammated node will never go away on it’s own.

It is possible, even in Hodgkin’s disease, that swollen nodes disappear on their own, but always rebound to their swollen size. These nodes do not hurt or cause discomfort. These inflammated nodes can be felt under the skin by touching the area around neck and underarm.

When the nodes are of normal size, they cannot be felt when pressing against the skin. However, when they become inflammated, they are easily identified by touch. Lymph nodes can swell in other areas inside the body without being easily noticed. This is the case of nodes inside the chest, where the swelling can be observed by the compressing effect they have on the organs, trachea or lungs, such as coughing or even breathing problems.

Although interior swelling lymph nodes are not immediately detectable, the body can send signals that "something is not right." One of these signs is fever that can come and go away as well as night swelling. Other signs include: persistent fatigue, depression and moody states without any noticeable reason, and unexpected weight loss and loss of appetite.

Always keep in mind that the sooner a correct diagnosis is established, the faster the treatment can be started and the more effective the treatment will be. If these symptoms sound familiar, or you are not sure, please consult with a physician immediately.

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com