Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the white blood cells of the lymphatic system, but with advances in modern medicine, many people go on to live full, healthy lives after treatment. Understanding the disease, its symptoms, and your options is the first step toward taking control of your health.
Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin disease, is a type of cancer that starts in a part of your lymphatic system, which is a network that helps your body fight infections. In Hodgkin lymphoma, abnormal cells that are called Reed-Sternberg cells grow in the lymph nodes and make them get larger. While it mainly affects the lymph nodes, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
Hodgkin lymphoma is rare and highly curable, especially when it's found early. It is different from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a more common group of lymphatic cancers.
Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms can vary depending on the cancer stage and the area of the lymphatic system that’s affected. Common signs of Hodgkin disease include:
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you notice them, contact your health care provider.
To figure out if Hodgkin lymphoma is causing your symptoms, your health care provider may:
There are two main types of Hodgkin lymphoma:
If you’re diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, your health care provider will use the Ann Arbor staging to guide treatment recommendations:
Staging may also include the letters A and B:
Treating Hodgkin disease depends on the stage of the disease, your overall health and other factors. Hodgkin lymphoma is highly treatable and can be cured. Common treatment options include:
Your health care provider can talk to you about the side effects of different types of treatment.
Hodgkin lymphoma has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers. The prognosis depends on factors such as the stage at diagnosis, age and response to treatment. If you are diagnosed at an early stage, the survival rate is very high.
Survival rates for Hodgkin disease:
Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming. Here are some of the ways people with Hodgkin disease can cope with the emotional and physical challenges:
It’s not clear exactly what causes Hodgkin disease. It starts with changes to the DNA in your lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. There is currently no way to prevent it.
Risk factors include:
Even though these factors may increase your risk, many people with Hodgkin lymphoma do not have any known risk factors.
Early detection and timely care are key to treating Hodgkin lymphoma. If you or a loved one have any symptoms, don’t wait. Contact a health care provider right away.
You can also request an appointment and we’ll call you back at a time most convenient for you.
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