Questions to ask: Hodgkin lymphoma

Diagnosis

• Do I have classic Hodgkin lymphoma or the nodular lymphocyte-predominant type?
• What stage is my lymphoma, and do I have B symptoms?
• Is my stage early favorable, early unfavorable, or advanced?
• Do I have a bulky mass?
• Was my biopsy large enough to be sure of the diagnosis?
• Is the goal of my treatment to cure the lymphoma?
• Have I been tested for HIV and hepatitis?
• Do I need heart and lung tests before treatment?
• Should I be treated at a lymphoma center or get a second opinion?
• How soon do I need to start treatment?

Before

• Which treatment plan do you recommend, such as ABVD, nivolumab plus AVD, or brentuximab vedotin plus AVD, and why?
• How many cycles will I get, and how long will treatment take?
• Will I need radiation? Is there a way I could avoid it?
• When will I have a PET scan, and how could the results change my plan?
• Could this treatment affect my fertility? How soon can I see a fertility specialist?
• Will I need a port for my treatments?
• What side effects should I expect, and which ones mean I should call right away?
• Who do I call at night or on weekends?
• Which vaccines should I get before I start?
• Can I keep working or going to school during treatment?
• Is there a clinical trial that fits me?

During

• What did my interim PET scan show, and what is my Deauville score?
• If my scan is clear, can bleomycin or radiation be dropped?
• Are my blood counts safe for my next treatment?
• Do I need shots to boost my white blood cells?
• What should I do about tingling or numbness in my hands or feet?
• Could my new cough or shortness of breath be from bleomycin?
• How will we watch for thyroid or other immune side effects?
• Which fevers or symptoms mean I should go to the emergency room?
• Are any of my other medicines or supplements a problem?
• What birth control should I use during treatment?

After

• Am I in complete remission?
• How often will I have check-ups, and will I need more scans?
• What signs could mean the lymphoma has come back?
• If it comes back, what are my options?
• What long-term effects could my treatment cause?
• Do I need heart tests, thyroid tests, or early breast screening?
• How long should I wait before trying to have a baby?
• When should I get my vaccines again?
• Who will lead my long-term follow-up care?
• Can I get a written summary of my treatment and a survivorship plan?

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.