2.1 Signs and symptoms
The following symptoms are common:
- any abnormal lump or mass in any organ
- lymphadenopathy:
- persistent beyond two weeks
- associated with systemic symptoms (see next bullet point)
- that does not resolve despite appropriate treatment of infection
- associated with pain in the lymph nodes following alcohol consumption
- one or more of these symptoms even in the absence of lymphadenopathy:
- persistent unexplained fever
- drenching sweats
- unintentional weight loss
- persistent severe itch
- frequent infections.
Hodgkin lymphoma and DLBCL can present with many symptoms, and this possibility should be kept in mind during the evaluation of otherwise unexplained symptoms.
Any symptoms of acute organ compromise (compression, spinal cord, ureter, arteries, airways) require prompt attention.
The presence of multiple signs and symptoms, particularly in combination with other underlying risk factors, indicates an increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma and DLBCL.
Presenting symptoms should be promptly and clinically triaged with a general practitioner.