Hodgkin Lymphoma 

Also Called Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease or Hodgkins

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that appears in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. As "Hodgkin's" progresses, it negatively affects the body's ability to fight infection.

The exact cause of this disease remains unclear.

Hodgkin lymphoma often starts in lymph nodes, which can be found in the upper part of your body, including the neck, under your arms, or above your collarbone, or the groin.

Cancerous cells often spread beyond the lymphatic system into other organs.

Hodgkin lymphoma is one of two types of cancers that appear in the lymphatic system. It is less common than the other type, which is called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

In the United States, approximately 8,500 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma appear every year. Approximately 1300 deaths occur annually from the disease.

Just a few decades ago, being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma was tantamount to a death sentence. But great strides have been made in treatment, and full recovery is now possible.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Symptoms

Someone with Hodgkin lymphoma will experience painless enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other tissues related to the immune system.

Other symptoms are

• chills,
• coughing and chest discomfort,
• fever,
• frequent fatigue,
• itching,
• night sweats,
• reduced appetite,
• sensitivity to alcohol,
• unexplained weight loss, which could reach ten percent of normal body weight.

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should seek medical attention.

Who's At Risk for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma can strike anyone, but certain individuals and groups seem to be at a higher risk than others. These include the following:

• people over the age of 55, and people between the ages of 15 and 40,
• men get Hodgkin lymphoma slightly more often than women,
• anyone who has had an illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus has a higher chance of getting Hodgkin's,
• individuals whose immune system is compromised by some other medical condition are at higher risk, and
• those living in Canada, the United States or Europe tend to develop Hodgkin lymphoma more often. The disease is less common in Asia.

Treatment

Treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma focuses on destroying malignant cells. As many as 19 out of 20 people who are diagnosed in stage I or stage II survive more than five years.

The most important factor in treatment is determining how far the disease has progressed, and the number or regions of lymph nodes involved. Age, symptoms, and overall heath are also important.

Chemotherapy is the type of treatment that's used most often for Hodgkin lymphoma patients.

As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma increases the chances of a positive outcome. 

For additional information, click on lymphoma and cancer of the lymph nodes. Also see chemotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.