BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuHodgkin lymphomaLymphoma - Hodgkin; Hodgkin disease; Hodgkin lymphoma; Hodgkin's lymphomaHodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Causes The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is not known. Hodgkin lymphoma is most common among people 15 to 35 years old and 50 to 70 years old. Past infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is thought to contribute to some cases. People with HIV infection are at increased risk compared to the general population.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Symptoms The first sign of Hodgkin lymphoma is often a painless swollen lymph node that appears without a known cause. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs.Symptoms may include any of the following:Feeling very tired all the time Fever and chills that come and go Itching all over the body that cannot be explained Loss of appetite Drenching night sweats Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin (swollen glands) Swollen glandsLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight loss that cannot be explained Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:Coughing, chest pains, or breathing problems if there are swollen lymph nodes in the chest Excessive sweating Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs due to swollen spleen or liver Pain in lymph nodes after drinking alcohol Skin blushing or flushing Symptoms caused by Hodgkin lymphoma may occur with other conditions. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific symptoms. Exams and Tests The provider will perform a physical exam and check body areas with lymph nodes to feel if they are swollen.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The disease is often diagnosed after a biopsy of suspected tissue, usually a lymph node.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The following procedures will usually be done:Blood chemistry tests including liver function tests, kidney function tests, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Blood chemistry testsA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Sed rate or ESR Bone marrow biopsy Bone marrow biopsyA bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside bone. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. It is foun...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT scansA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia and white blood count Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scanPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If tests show that you have Hodgkin lymphoma, more tests may be done to see how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Staging helps guide treatment and follow-up. Treatment Treatment depends on the following:The type of Hodgkin lymphoma The stage (where the disease has spread) StageCancer staging is a way to describe how much cancer is in your body and where it is located. Staging helps determine where the original tumor is, ho...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Your age and other medical issues Other factors, including weight loss, night sweats, and feverYou may receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both, or immunotherapy. Your provider can tell you more about your specific treatment.ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that relies on the body's infection-fighting system (immune system). It uses substances made by the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article High-dose chemotherapy may be given when Hodgkin lymphoma returns after treatment or does not respond to the first treatment. This is followed by a stem cell transplant that uses your own stem cells.Stem cell transplantA bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft, fatt...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers. Cure is even more likely if it is diagnosed and treated early. Unlike other cancers, Hodgkin lymphoma is also very curable in its late stages.You will need to have regular exams for years after your treatment. This helps your provider check for signs of the cancer returning and for any long-term treatment effects. Possible Complications Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma can have complications. Long-term complications of chemotherapy or radiation therapy include:Bone marrow diseases (such as leukemia) Heart disease Inability to have children (infertility) InfertilityInfertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung problems Other cancers Thyroid problems Keep following up with a provider who knows about monitoring and preventing these complications. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma You have Hodgkin lymphoma and you have side effects from the treatment Open ReferencesReferencesBartlett N, Triska G. Hodgkin lymphoma. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 102.National Cancer Institute website. Adult Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/adult-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. Updated March 23, 2023. Accessed June 5, 2023.National Cancer Institute website. Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/child-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. Updated March 24, 2023. Accessed June 5, 2023.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Hodgkin lymphoma. Version 2.2023. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/hodgkins.pdf. Updated November 8, 2022. Accessed May 18, 2023.AllVideoImagesTogHodgkin lymphomaAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersHodgkin lymphoma - Animation Did you ever touch your neck and feel a bump on one or both sides? Usually, it’s just a swollen gland or lymph node that’s caused by a cold or other infection. But occasionally, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer, perhaps a cancer called Hodgkin lymphoma. These are your lymph nodes. You’ll find them not only on your neck, but in your armpits and groin too. They’re a part of your body’s normal defense system, which protects you against invading viruses and bacteria. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts inside the lymph nodes. What causes Hodgkin lymphoma isn’t known, but having the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV, may increase your risk. So, what are the signs of Hodgkin lymphoma? In addition to having swollen lymph nodes, you may feel tired and have no appetite. Some people wake up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat. That’s called night sweats. Remember, though, that these symptoms can occur with many different conditions. So if you have them, don’t panic. But do see your doctor, who can tell you for sure what’s causing your symptoms. If your doctor suspects that you have Hodgkin lymphoma, your doctor will probably cut and remove a small piece of tissue from your lymph node, called a biopsy, and the samples will be sent to a lab to look for cancer cells. If cancer is diagnosed, other tests are used to stage it, in other words, to see whether the disease has spread, and if so, how far it’s spread. That helps your doctor find the right treatment. If you have Hodgkin lymphoma, most often the treatment involves radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. People who don’t respond to these treatments sometimes need a bone marrow transplant. While you’re being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma, you may need other therapies to help you feel better. That might include antibiotics to fight an infection, or a blood transfusion to add red blood cells when they’re low. Getting diagnosed with any type of cancer can be difficult to hear. But, you should know that Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer. Even if the disease has spread, your chances of survival are very high. You can improve your odds by following the entire treatment plan. Once your lymphoma has been treated, you’ll need to see your doctor regularly for check-ups to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned, and to monitor for any side effects your treatment may have caused.Lymphatic system - illustration The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).Lymphatic systemillustrationHodgkin's disease - liver involvement - illustration Hodgkin's disease (lymphoma) is a malignant cancer that can affect many organs. A whitish, irregular tumor mass of lymphoma cells is seen on the left side of this cross-section of the liver.Hodgkin's disease - liver involvementillustrationLymphoma, malignant - CT scan - illustration This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses (malignant lymphomas) in the area behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal space).Lymphoma, malignant - CT scanillustrationImmune system structures - illustration The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.Immune system structuresillustrationHodgkin lymphomaAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersHodgkin lymphoma - Animation Did you ever touch your neck and feel a bump on one or both sides? Usually, it’s just a swollen gland or lymph node that’s caused by a cold or other infection. But occasionally, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer, perhaps a cancer called Hodgkin lymphoma. These are your lymph nodes. You’ll find them not only on your neck, but in your armpits and groin too. They’re a part of your body’s normal defense system, which protects you against invading viruses and bacteria. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts inside the lymph nodes. What causes Hodgkin lymphoma isn’t known, but having the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV, may increase your risk. So, what are the signs of Hodgkin lymphoma? In addition to having swollen lymph nodes, you may feel tired and have no appetite. Some people wake up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat. That’s called night sweats. Remember, though, that these symptoms can occur with many different conditions. So if you have them, don’t panic. But do see your doctor, who can tell you for sure what’s causing your symptoms. If your doctor suspects that you have Hodgkin lymphoma, your doctor will probably cut and remove a small piece of tissue from your lymph node, called a biopsy, and the samples will be sent to a lab to look for cancer cells. If cancer is diagnosed, other tests are used to stage it, in other words, to see whether the disease has spread, and if so, how far it’s spread. That helps your doctor find the right treatment. If you have Hodgkin lymphoma, most often the treatment involves radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. People who don’t respond to these treatments sometimes need a bone marrow transplant. While you’re being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma, you may need other therapies to help you feel better. That might include antibiotics to fight an infection, or a blood transfusion to add red blood cells when they’re low. Getting diagnosed with any type of cancer can be difficult to hear. But, you should know that Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer. Even if the disease has spread, your chances of survival are very high. You can improve your odds by following the entire treatment plan. Once your lymphoma has been treated, you’ll need to see your doctor regularly for check-ups to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned, and to monitor for any side effects your treatment may have caused.Lymphatic system - illustration The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).Lymphatic systemillustrationHodgkin's disease - liver involvement - illustration Hodgkin's disease (lymphoma) is a malignant cancer that can affect many organs. A whitish, irregular tumor mass of lymphoma cells is seen on the left side of this cross-section of the liver.Hodgkin's disease - liver involvementillustrationLymphoma, malignant - CT scan - illustration This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses (malignant lymphomas) in the area behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal space).Lymphoma, malignant - CT scanillustrationImmune system structures - illustration The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.Immune system structuresillustrationRelated Information Non-Hodgkin lymphoma(Condition)Bone marrow transplant(Surgery)Chemotherapy - what to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Radiation therapy - questions to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Bone marrow transplant - discharge(Discharge)Chest radiation - discharge(Discharge)Mouth and neck radiation - discharge(Discharge)Eating extra calories when sick - adults(Self-Care)When you have nausea and vomiting(Self-Care)Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - InDepth(In-Depth)Hodgkin disease - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 2/2/2023 Reviewed By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Monsey, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 06/05/2023. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Hodgkin lymphomaLymphoma - Hodgkin; Hodgkin disease; Hodgkin lymphoma; Hodgkin's lymphomaHodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Causes The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is not known. Hodgkin lymphoma is most common among people 15 to 35 years old and 50 to 70 years old. Past infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is thought to contribute to some cases. People with HIV infection are at increased risk compared to the general population.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Symptoms The first sign of Hodgkin lymphoma is often a painless swollen lymph node that appears without a known cause. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs.Symptoms may include any of the following:Feeling very tired all the time Fever and chills that come and go Itching all over the body that cannot be explained Loss of appetite Drenching night sweats Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin (swollen glands) Swollen glandsLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight loss that cannot be explained Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:Coughing, chest pains, or breathing problems if there are swollen lymph nodes in the chest Excessive sweating Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs due to swollen spleen or liver Pain in lymph nodes after drinking alcohol Skin blushing or flushing Symptoms caused by Hodgkin lymphoma may occur with other conditions. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific symptoms. Exams and Tests The provider will perform a physical exam and check body areas with lymph nodes to feel if they are swollen.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The disease is often diagnosed after a biopsy of suspected tissue, usually a lymph node.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The following procedures will usually be done:Blood chemistry tests including liver function tests, kidney function tests, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Blood chemistry testsA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Sed rate or ESR Bone marrow biopsy Bone marrow biopsyA bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside bone. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. It is foun...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT scansA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia and white blood count Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scanPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If tests show that you have Hodgkin lymphoma, more tests may be done to see how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Staging helps guide treatment and follow-up. Treatment Treatment depends on the following:The type of Hodgkin lymphoma The stage (where the disease has spread) StageCancer staging is a way to describe how much cancer is in your body and where it is located. Staging helps determine where the original tumor is, ho...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Your age and other medical issues Other factors, including weight loss, night sweats, and feverYou may receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both, or immunotherapy. Your provider can tell you more about your specific treatment.ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that relies on the body's infection-fighting system (immune system). It uses substances made by the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article High-dose chemotherapy may be given when Hodgkin lymphoma returns after treatment or does not respond to the first treatment. This is followed by a stem cell transplant that uses your own stem cells.Stem cell transplantA bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft, fatt...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers. Cure is even more likely if it is diagnosed and treated early. Unlike other cancers, Hodgkin lymphoma is also very curable in its late stages.You will need to have regular exams for years after your treatment. This helps your provider check for signs of the cancer returning and for any long-term treatment effects. Possible Complications Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma can have complications. Long-term complications of chemotherapy or radiation therapy include:Bone marrow diseases (such as leukemia) Heart disease Inability to have children (infertility) InfertilityInfertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung problems Other cancers Thyroid problems Keep following up with a provider who knows about monitoring and preventing these complications. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma You have Hodgkin lymphoma and you have side effects from the treatment Open ReferencesReferencesBartlett N, Triska G. Hodgkin lymphoma. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 102.National Cancer Institute website. Adult Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/adult-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. Updated March 23, 2023. Accessed June 5, 2023.National Cancer Institute website. Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/child-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. Updated March 24, 2023. Accessed June 5, 2023.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Hodgkin lymphoma. Version 2.2023. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/hodgkins.pdf. Updated November 8, 2022. Accessed May 18, 2023.