The common presentation is painless, progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck. The progressive stage of lymphoma is often associated with fever, excessive sweating and weight loss. Some patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may develop herpes zoster, and painful lymph nodes after drinking alcohol is unique to patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The skin surface of the enlarged lymph nodes may also have varying degrees of skin lesions. This is when aggressive treatment is needed to stop the progression of the disease.