Hodgkin's (Disease) Lymphoma Symptoms, Survival Rate, Treatment, Stages, Prognosis, Causes - MedicineNet

MedicineNet

home > cancer center > cancer a-z list > hodgkins disease index > hodgkins disease article

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma facts*

*Hodgkin's lymphoma facts medical author:

  • 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.


Patient Comments

Viewers share their comments

Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Share your Experience Question: Please share your experience with Hodgkin's disease.
Hodgkin's Disease - Treatment Question: What types of treatment have you received for your Hodgkin's disease?
Hodgkin's Disease - Diet and Exercise Question: What diet and/or exercise program regimen were you prescribed, and have you stuck to it?
Hodgkin's Disease - Follow-Up Care Question: What kind of follow-up care did you receive for your Hodgkin's disease?
Hodgkin's Disease - Diagnosis Question: How was your Hodgkin’s disease diagnosed?
Hodgkin's Disease - Symptoms Question: What were your symptoms at the onset of your Hodgkin's disease?

Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

  • There are different types of treatment for patients with adult Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Patients with Hodgkin lymphoma should have their treatment planned by a team of health care providers with expertise in treating lymphomas.
  • Patients may develop late effects that appear months or years after their treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Three types of standard treatment are used:
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • Surgery
  • For pregnant patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, treatment options also include:
    • Watchful waiting
    • Steroid therapy
  • New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials.
    • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy with stem cell transplant
  • Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
  • Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment.
  • Follow-up tests may be needed.

SOURCE:
National Cancer Institute

Print
MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Hodgkin's Disease by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    17 articles
    • Swollen Lymph Nodes
      • Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasites).
    • Leukemia
      • Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood cells in which the growth and development of the blood cells are abnormal. Strictly speaking, leukemia should
    • Night Sweats
      • Night sweats are severe hot flashes that occur at night and result in a drenching sweat. In order to distinguish night sweats that arise from medical causes
    • Melanoma
      • Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which begins in skin cells called melanocytes and affects more than 53,600 people in the United States each year. These
    • Stress
      • Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However, over-stress, can be harmful. There
    • Floaters
      • Eye floaters are deposits or condensation that forms in the eye's vitreous humor. These deposits cast shadows on the retina, and as the eye moves, the
    • Human Immunodeficiency Virus
      • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects
    • Fever
      • Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degrees F. (37 degrees C.), in practice a person is usually not considered
    • Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
      • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, a vital part of the body's immune system. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night
    • Nausea and Vomiting
      • Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often precedes vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms of many conditions. The
    • Chest Pain
      • Chest pain is a common complaint by a patient in the ER. Causes of chest pain include broken or bruised ribs, pleurisy, pneumothorax, shingles, pneumonia,
    • Cancer
      • Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer
    • Cancer Risk Factors
      • Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing
    • Eosinophilic Fasciitis
      • Eosinophilic fasciitis is a skin disease that causes thickening and inflammation of the skin and fascia. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and hardening
    • Cancer Fatigue
      • Cancer fatigue is a lack of energy that is caused by cancer or cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy, or bone marrow
    • Teens
      • Teenagers recognize that they are developmentally between child and adult. Teen health prevention includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly,
    • Cancer Pain
      • Cancer pain results from the tumor pressing on nerves or invading bones or organs. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can also

  • Medications

    2 articles

  • Procedures & Tests

    9 articles

  • Pictures, Images & Quizzes

    0 articles

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

    6 articles

  • Health News

    4 articles

  • Health Features

    1 articles

Stay Informed!

Get the latest health and medical information delivered direct to your inbox FREE!


Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain

From WebMD

Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

Hodgkin's Disease

Swollen Lymph Nodes »

"What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are an important component of the body's immune system and help in fighting infections.

They are small, soft, round or oval structures that are found throughout the body and are connected to"...

Read the Swollen Lymph Nodes article »

Get the latest health and medical information delivered direct to your inbox FREE!