Is It Hodgkin's Lymphoma? Why Your Nodes Are Swelling & Medical Next Steps

Swollen lymph nodes can be worrying. Many people immediately wonder: Is this Hodgkin's lymphoma?

The truth is, most swollen lymph nodes are not caused by cancer. They are usually a sign that your immune system is fighting off an infection. However, persistent or unexplained swelling should never be ignored.

This guide explains what Hodgkin's lymphoma is, why lymph nodes swell, the warning signs to watch for, and what to do next.

---

What Is Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Hodgkin's lymphoma (also called Hodgkin lymphoma) is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system and includes:

• Lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin, chest, abdomen)
• Spleen
• Bone marrow
• Thymus
• Lymphatic vessels

In Hodgkin's lymphoma, certain white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and form tumors in lymph nodes. A key feature doctors look for is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are abnormal large cells seen under a microscope.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is considered one of the most treatable cancers, especially when found early. Survival rates are generally high with modern treatment.

---

Why Are Your Lymph Nodes Swelling?

Lymph nodes swell when they are actively fighting something. Common causes include:

✅ Infections (Most Common Cause)

• Cold or flu
• Strep throat
• Ear infections
• Dental infections
• Mononucleosis
• Skin infections

When your body detects bacteria or viruses, lymph nodes enlarge as immune cells multiply.

✅ Autoimmune Conditions

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus

✅ Medications

Certain drugs can cause lymph node swelling as a side effect.

✅ Cancers (Less Common)

• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Cancers that spread to lymph nodes

Most swollen lymph nodes are due to infection and improve within 2–4 weeks. Persistent swelling needs medical evaluation.

---

Symptoms of Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The most common early sign of Hodgkin's lymphoma is:

🔹 Painless swelling of lymph nodes

These swollen nodes are often found:

• In the neck
• Above the collarbone
• In the armpits
• In the groin

They usually:

• Feel firm or rubbery
• Are not tender
• Gradually enlarge over time

Other Symptoms May Include:

• Unexplained fever
• Night sweats (soaking sheets or clothing)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Shortness of breath or chest pain (if chest nodes are enlarged)
• Pain in lymph nodes after drinking alcohol (rare but more specific)

Doctors often refer to fever, night sweats, and weight loss as "B symptoms." These symptoms help determine disease stage and treatment planning.

---

When Should You Be Concerned?

Not every swollen node is a reason to panic. However, you should see a doctor if:

• Swelling lasts more than 2–4 weeks
• Nodes continue to grow
• Nodes feel very firm or fixed in place
• You have night sweats or unexplained weight loss
• You feel persistent fatigue without explanation
• You have swelling without signs of infection

It's important to remember:
Hodgkin's lymphoma is uncommon compared to everyday infections. But early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

---

How Doctors Diagnose Hodgkin's Lymphoma

If your doctor suspects Hodgkin's lymphoma, they will follow a clear evaluation process.

1. Medical History & Physical Exam

Your doctor will ask about:

• Duration of swelling
• Recent infections
• Fever or night sweats
• Weight changes
• Family history

They will check lymph nodes in multiple areas of your body.

2. Blood Tests

Blood work may look for:

• Signs of infection
• Anemia
• Liver or kidney function
• Inflammatory markers

Blood tests alone cannot confirm Hodgkin's lymphoma, but they provide helpful clues.

3. Imaging Tests

• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• PET scan

These help determine whether lymph nodes inside the chest or abdomen are enlarged.

4. Lymph Node Biopsy (Definitive Test)

A biopsy is the only way to confirm Hodgkin's lymphoma.
This involves removing part or all of a lymph node and examining it under a microscope.

Finding Reed-Sternberg cells confirms the diagnosis.

---

Risk Factors for Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The exact cause is unknown, but risk increases with:

• Age (most common in ages 15–35 and over 55)
• Male sex (slightly higher risk)
• Family history
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
• Weakened immune system (HIV, transplant recipients)

Even if you have these risk factors, most people will not develop Hodgkin's lymphoma.

---

Stages of Hodgkin's Lymphoma

If diagnosed, doctors determine the stage:

• Stage I: One lymph node area
• Stage II: Two or more areas on the same side of diaphragm
• Stage III: Nodes on both sides of diaphragm
• Stage IV: Spread to organs (liver, bone marrow, lungs)

Early-stage disease has very high cure rates.

---

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on stage and symptoms.

Common Treatments Include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

Most patients receive combination chemotherapy. Treatment is typically very effective, especially in early stages.

Five-year survival rates for Hodgkin's lymphoma are high, particularly when diagnosed early.

---

Should You Do a Symptom Check?

If you're experiencing persistent swollen lymph nodes along with other concerning symptoms like unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss, consider using a free Malignant Lymphoma symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and determine whether you should seek immediate medical attention.

This type of tool can help you organize your symptoms and decide whether you should seek medical care. However, it does not replace a medical evaluation.

---

What You Should Do Next

If you have swollen lymph nodes, here's a practical approach:

✅ If You Recently Had an Infection:

• Monitor for 2–3 weeks
• Nodes should shrink as infection resolves

✅ If Swelling Persists:

• Schedule a primary care appointment
• Avoid self-diagnosing online

✅ If You Have "B Symptoms":

• Seek medical care promptly

✅ If You Feel Something Isn't Right:

Trust your instincts. Persistent symptoms deserve attention.

---

Red Flags That Need Urgent Medical Attention

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Rapidly enlarging neck swelling affecting breathing
• High, persistent fever
• Unexplained, rapid weight loss

These symptoms require urgent evaluation.

---

The Bottom Line

Swollen lymph nodes are common. Most are caused by infections and resolve on their own.

However, Hodgkin's lymphoma is a possible — though less common — cause of persistent, painless lymph node swelling, especially when paired with fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

The good news:

• Hodgkin's lymphoma is highly treatable.
• Early diagnosis improves outcomes.
• Modern therapies are very effective.

If your lymph nodes remain swollen beyond a few weeks or you have concerning symptoms, speak to a doctor. Only a proper medical evaluation — including a possible biopsy — can confirm or rule out Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Do not ignore symptoms that could be serious or life-threatening. If you are worried, schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Your health deserves clarity, not uncertainty.