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Hodgkin Lymphoma

 

What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma, once known as Hodgkin disease, is a group of blood cancers that typically develops in your lymphatic system. These disorders occur when genes inside certain cells mutate or change. Hodgkin lymphomas most commonly affect the lymph nodes in your neck and may develop in groups of lymph nodes under your arms, in your groin, belly or pelvis.

What are the types of Hodgkin lymphoma?

There are two main types of Hodgkin lymphoma:

  • Classic Hodgkin lymphoma – the most common form of Hodgkin lymphoma. There are four subtypes of classic Hodgin lymphoma:
  • Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma – A rare form of Hodgkin lymphoma that is most common in people in their 20s.

What causes Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphomas happen when your body produces too many white blood cells. Although the exact cause is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma, including:

  • Age - 20 to 40 and people older than 65
  • Gender – Men are more likely to develop this condition
  • Family history of Hodgkin lymphoma
  • If you had an organ transplant, the antirejection medications can suppress your immune system, increasing your risk
  • Having HIV or AIDS

What are symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma?

The most common symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include:

  • Painless, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, underarm or groin
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Unexplained fever
  • Drenching night sweats
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Itchy skin
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Chest pain

How is Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed?

To diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma, your provider will do a physical examination to look for symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes. They may order the following tests:

How is Hodgkin lymphoma staged?

Once you are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, your provider will stage your condition, which will determine your course of treatment. They will also evaluate risk factors to place conditions in certain categories that characterize prognosis or expected outcomes. These stages include:

  • Stage 1 – There is lymphoma in one lymph node or one lymphoid organ.
  • Stage 2 – There is lymphoma in two or more groups of lymph nodes on the same side of your diaphragm. The lymphoma is part of a group of lymph nodes and is in one area of a nearby organ.
  • Stage 3 – There is lymphoma in lymph nodes on both sides of your diaphragm or there is lymphoma in lymph nodes above your diaphragm and in your spleen.
  • Stage 4 – There is lymphoma in at least one organ outside of your lymph system, such as your bone marrow, liver or lung.

What are treatment options for Hodgkin lymphoma?

There are several types of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. These treatments either kill cancer cells or keep them from dividing. Treatments include: