What is Hodgkin's lymphoma?
In Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer, abnormal cells develop in the lymphatic system. This can affect the ability of your immune system to work as it should. Hodgkin's lymphoma spreads in the lymph nodes in a predictable pattern and can eventually spread to other organs in the body.
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a less-common type of cancer but is often treatable. According to National Cancer Institute statistics, the five-year Hodgkin's lymphoma survival rate for stages 1 and 2 is over 90%.
When it comes to Hodgkin's lymphoma, each person’s care is unique. Our patient navigators can help you learn more about your condition, treatment and support options.
Risk factors and causes of Hodgkin's lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma develops when certain abnormal immune cells start to grow and multiply at a rapid pace. However, the exact reasons this begins in the first place aren’t fully understood.
Research is still looking into what leads to a Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis, but some risk factors have been identified, including:
- Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
- Infection with HIV
- A weakened immune system due to transplant
- Being a teen or young adult or being over 55 years old
- Being male
- Having a close family member, like a sibling, who has had Hodgkin's lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms
Typically, one of the first signs of Hodgkin's lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes. This type of cancer can eventually affect lymph nodes throughout your body.
While some people may not show any symptoms, others may experience:
- Shortness of breath or a persistent cough
- Ongoing fatigue
- Decrease appetite and unexpected weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Fevers that come and go
- Night sweats
- Skin itching
Several of these symptoms can be associated with other illnesses, too, and this is not an exhaustive list. If you have any concerns or questions regarding Hodgkin lymphoma, seek medical advice.
Diagnosing Hodgkin's lymphoma
Diagnosing Hodgkin's lymphoma starts by taking your comprehensive medical history and a physical examination to understand the symptoms you're experiencing. Your doctor will measure accessible lymph node groups, including the neck, underarms and groin, as well as other organs.
Your doctor may also request a biopsy of your lymph node. A biopsy for lymphoma takes a tissue sample or removes an entire lymph node for testing. The biopsy samples are then examined for an abnormal cell type in those with Hodgkin lymphoma called Reed-Sternberg cells.
Your doctor may request imaging tests, blood tests and bone tests along with a biopsy to help diagnose your Hodgkin lymphoma subtype, stage and develop a treatment plan.
Hodgkin's lymphoma treatments
You may have one treatment or a series of different types of treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Along with options like chemotherapy or radiation, immunotherapy is now an option for some people with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Talk with your doctor and clinical team about your diagnosis to determine the best treatment approach for your specific stage and type of Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer.
Hodgkin's lymphoma support
You'll have support for every step of your Hodgkin's lymphoma care. Our support services include events, educational resources and patient navigators to care for you as a whole person.
And after your Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment, our survivorship program helps you navigate life after cancer.