These nodes become large, firm and are usually not painful. Enlarged lymph nodes may also be located in the chest and produce a cough or breathing problems. Some children develop night sweats, fever and weight loss. If Hodgkin's disease is suspected, it is important that a complete evaluation for sites of disease occur in order to establish extent of spread. The likelihood of cure is related to the extent of disease.
Surgery is beneficial to establish a diagnosis.
Chemotherapy , radiation or a combination of the two is necessary. It is very important that children with suspected Hodgkin's disease be cared for at a hospital with specialists in children's cancer care, such as the University of Michigan. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.