Reviewed By David C. Dugdale III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department… of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.more »
Definition
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.
Alternative Names
Lymphoma - Hodgkin's; Hodgkin's disease; Cancer - Hodgkin's lymphoma
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The first sign of this cancer is often an enlarged lymph node which 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.
The cause is not known. Hodgkin's lymphoma is most common among people ages 15 - 35 and 50 - 70. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is thought to contribute to most cases.
In some cases, abdominal surgery to take a piece of the liver and remove the spleen may be needed. However, because the other tests are now so good at detecting the spread of Hodgkin's lymphoma, this surgery is usually unnecessary.
Hodgkin's lymphoma may change the results of the following tests:
The type of Hodgkin's lymphoma (most people have classic Hodgkin's)
The stage (where the disease is found)
Whether the tumor is more than 4 inches (10 cm) wide
The patient's age and other medical issues
Other factors, including weight loss, night sweats, and fever
A staging evaluation is necessary to determine the treatment plan.
Stage I indicates one lymph node region is involved (for example, the right neck).
Stage II indicates involvement of two lymph node areas on the same side of the diaphragm (for example, both sides of the neck).
Stage III indicates lymph node involvement on both sides of the diaphragm (for example, groin and armpit).
Stage IV involves the spread of cancer outside the lymph nodes (for example, to bone marrow, lungs, or liver).
Treatment varies with the stage of the disease. The best treatment for an individual patient depends on many factors, and should be discussed with a doctor who has experience treating this disease.
Stages I and II (limited disease) can be treated with local radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both.
Stages III and IV (extensive disease) are treated with chemotherapy alone or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Support Groups
You can often ease the stress of illness by joining a support group of people who share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.
Expectations (prognosis)
With the right treatment, more than 80% of people with stage I or II Hodgkin's lymphoma survive for at least 10 years. If the disease has spread, the treatment is more intense and the 5-year survival rate is about 60%.
Chemotherapy can cause low blood cell counts, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, infection, and anemia. To minimize bleeding, apply ice and pressure to any external bleeding. Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor for personal hygiene.
Infection should always be taken seriously during cancer treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop fever or other signs of infection. Planning daily activities with scheduled rest periods may help prevent fatigue associated with anemia.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if:
You have symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma
You are being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma and you experience side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, including nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or bleeding
