Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer which originates in the lymphatic system. Around 1,500 people are diagnosed per year in the UK. Lymphoma cells tend to originate in the lymph nodes, lymph nodes are all around the body and are connected by lymphatic vessels. This means that Hodgkin lymphoma can start in any part of the body although it does tend to originate from lymph nodes in the neck. Other common sites include the groin, armpit and chest.

Hodgkin Lymphoma tends to affect lymph nodes in the area of the body where it originated. However it can spread to other areas of the body including organs through the lymphatic system or blood stream. Organs most affected by Hodgkin’s lymphoma include bone marrow, lungs, spleen or liver.

Things to look out for

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• High temperatures or fevers including sweats or ‘drenching’ at night time.
• Continuous itchiness all over the body.
• Shortness of breath and or a cough.

When Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is affecting the bone marrow you may experience:

• Fatigue and or shortness of breath.
• Ongoing or reoccurring infections.
• Abnormal bleeding such as excessive nosebleeds, unexplained small spots of blood under the skin or in women you may experience heavier periods.