Hodgkin's Lymphoma

*Hodgkin's lymphoma facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system).
• The most common symptom of Hodgkin's lymphoma is a painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin.
• Some of those affected have other symptoms like fever, night sweats, fatigue, itching, or weakness.
• Hodgkin's lymphoma is most common among teens and adults aged 15 to 35 years and adults aged 55 years and older.
• Risk factors may include a weakened immune system, HIV or EBV infection, and a family history of the disease.
• Hodgkin's lymphoma is diagnosed when abnormal tissue is detected by a pathologist after a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node.
• The abnormal cells in Hodgkin's lymphoma are called Reed-Sternberg cells.
• Staging of Hodgkin's lymphoma refers to the extent of spread of the abnormal cells within the body.
• Imaging studies such as CT scanning, MRI, or PET scanning may be done to determine the stage of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma depends on the symptoms, stage and location of disease, as well as the age and health of the patient.
• Treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma usually includes radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
• Regular follow-up examinations are important after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma have an increased risk of developing other types of cancer later in life, especially leukemia.