Hodgkin Lymphoma Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging

Know the signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma. Find out how it is tested for, diagnosed, and staged.

Can Hodgkin lymphoma be found early?

There are no widely recommended screening tests for Hodgkin lymphoma, but it can still be found early in some cases. Screening is testing for a disease like cancer in people who have no symptoms. No screening test has been shown to improve survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma. 

The best way to find Hodgkin lymphoma early is to watch for possible symptoms.

If you have a strong family history or other known risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma, getting careful, regular medical checkups may be helpful. Most people with these risk factors don’t get the disease, but you and your health care team should be aware of any possible signs and symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma?

The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is one or more enlarged or swollen lymph nodes.

This might feel like a lump or bump under your skin. It usually doesn’t hurt. These swollen lymph nodes are most often located on the:

• Side of the neck
• Armpit
• Groin

This is usually caused by something other than Hodgkin lymphoma, like an infection. But it’s important to have this type of lump checked by your health care team.

Hodgkin lymphoma can also cause other symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, itchy skin, loss of appetite, and fatigue. 

How is it diagnosed?

If you or your child has signs or symptoms that suggest Hodgkin lymphoma, your health care team will do a series of tests to find out for sure. Testing also helps the care team figure out the exact type and stage of the disease.  

Stages and outlook (prognosis) for Hodgkin lymphoma

After a cancer diagnosis, staging gives your health care team important information about the extent of cancer in your body and your expected response to treatment. Doctors also use a cancer’s stage when talking about survival statistics.