Can Hodgkin Lymphoma Be Found Early?

Screening tests or exams are used to look for disease in people who have no symptoms. At this time, there are no widely recommended screening tests for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This is because no screening test has been shown to lower the risk of dying from this cancer. Still, in some cases HL can be found early. 

The best way to find HL early is to be on the lookout for possible symptoms. The most common symptom is enlargement or swelling of one or more lymph nodes, causing a lump or bump under the skin which usually doesn't hurt. It's most often on the side of the neck, in the armpit, or in the groin. More often this is caused by something like an infection, not HL, but it’s important to have such lumps checked by a doctor. 

Careful, regular medical check-ups may be helpful for people with known risk factors for HL, such as a strong family history. These people do not often get HL, but they (and their doctors) should know about any possible symptoms and signs they might have.