There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Both are cancers that occur in blood cells called lymphocytes. The Mayo Clinic states that a cell called Reed-Sternberg appears in tests of people who have Hodgkin's lymphoma, but does not occur in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. While this may not appear to be an important difference, it in fact is because of the way each disease is treated.
Swelling and Pain
The early symptoms of both Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include lymph node swelling that may not produce pain. This swelling can occur in the lymph nodes of your groin, armpits or neck. Swelling also may occur in your liver or spleen. One symptom associated with liver problems is a yellowing of the skin called jaundice. Pain can occur in the chest in both forms of the cancer. Hodgkin's lymphoma also can produce pain in your lymph nodes when you have consumed alcoholic beverages. It also can intensify alcohol's effects. These are not among the symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but pain or swelling in your abdomen is.
Fatigue
A symptom that is common in both forms of lymphoma is fatigue or an overall tiredness and weakness in your body. This type of fatigue may persist for far longer than normal and can be continual. It is time to consult your physician if you have had this or other symptoms for two weeks or more, or if they have disappeared, then returned repeatedly.
Breath and Blood
Both types of lymphoma also can cause difficulties in your normal respiration or a cough. Because lymphoma affects your blood, particularly your white blood cells that fight infection, you can experience symptoms related to this. These include a fever and other symptoms similar to the flu such as chills and body aches.
Body
Another symptom common to both Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is losing weight and body mass that is unexplained. With Hodgkin's lymphoma, you may quickly lose 10 percent of you body mass, or even more. Common to both also are night sweats in which you may drench yourself and your bed with sweat. With Hodgkin's lymphoma, you also may experience itching sensations on your skin.
