Are Mono and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Linked?

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I had mono 1 month and a half ago and I started getting swollen lymphnodes way before i had it. It's scaring me because they are still swollen. My lymphnotic tissue is swollen and it has moved from one bump to many on the other side of my neck. What should I do?

Hayley of TX 1:51PM April 06, 2013

I have a high school friend who is battling stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma, at age 54. His doctor links it back to when he had mono in high school, along with me. I cannot be conclusive, of course - not my doc, not my body. But I'm going in for a physical, and will notify my MD of the circumstances.

Carl of CO 1:17PM April 30, 2012

The viruses associated with Hodgkins Lymphoma (EBV and HIV) all work to chronically supress the immune system. Outside of those two viruses, I have noticed anecdotally that persons with Hodgkin's lymphoma have had years of weakened immunes systems prior to diagnosis. That could be exposure to environmental toxins, but in the case of my roommate, it's a sedentary lifestyle, junk foods, lack of sunshine, insomnia, depression...
So, I have a lay theory - completely unscientific. Often times Hodgkins Lymphoma originates with nodular sclerosis in the thymus gland. The thymus is a mostly atrophied organ in an adult. It's primary role appears to be to build the immune system in childhood. My theory is that either through exposure to environmental toxins, certain viruses, or simply an unhealthy lifestyle, if the immune system is chronically suppressed for some time, the thymus is recruited to "help in the fight". Because it is atrophied, it responds by growing incorrectly. Then, the cancer spreads to other glands and finally the blood and bones.
I don't know, call me crazy, but I wish somebody with the proper capabilities would validate or invalidate my theory.

PJ of TX 1:13AM March 14, 2009