Hodgkin Lymphoma – Summary, Symptoms & Treatments

What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that works to balance fluids in the body and fight infection. There are many forms of lymphoma — the two main types are categorized as Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin. Hodgkin lymphoma most often occurs when white blood cells, known as B cells, grow out of control. Over time, Hodgkin lymphoma can affect the body’s ability to fight infection. Hodgkin lymphoma is rare, and tends to affect younger adults, in, Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) is the most commonly occurring form of the disease. Hodgkin lymphoma tends to affect younger adults, in their 20s and 30s, and adults over age 50.
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What are the signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma?

As abnormal blood cells, called Reed-Sternberg cells, multiply, they cause painless swelling in the lymph nodes found throughout the body, usually in the neck, armpits or chest. They can also spread to organs, such as the spleen, liver or bone marrow. In addition to swelling in the lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include:

• Persistent, unexplained fever and/or fatigue
• Weight loss and/or decreased appetite
• Feeling full and/or abdominal pain or swelling
• Shortness of breath and a persistent cough
• Drenching night sweats
• Itchy skin

Many of these symptoms can occur with other more common illness. Regardless, it is important to contact your health care provider if you experience any of these.

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How is Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed?

Diagnosing lymphoma begins with a physical examination so that your doctor can evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing. This exam will include an assessment of the abdomen and lymph nodes to determine whether there is swelling. Additional information to confirm a diagnosis is most often obtained through a biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes. The tissues are sent to a laboratory for review by a pathologist to confirm the presence of cancer cells. If a diagnosis is confirmed, blood tests or imaging scans will help to identify the exact location and extent of the lymphoma. This additional testing is needed to help your care team begin planning for your personalized treatment. At FCS, our central pathology lab performs flow cytometry analysis and histology morphologic analysis of peripheral blood, bone marrow and tissue samples to help in diagnosing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
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What causes Hodgkin lymphoma?

The exact causes of lymphomas are not well known. Researchers suspect a link to immune disorders, such as Epstein-Barr virus or HIV, but those are not well understood. Exposure to certain chemicals or to radiation may also place people at higher risk.
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Is Hodgkin lymphoma genetic?

Lymphoma is not inherited or passed from parent to child. However, if an immediate family member has had lymphoma or another blood cancer, you may be at higher risk. Talk with your doctor for more information.
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Is Hodgkin lymphoma curable?

Hodgkin lymphoma is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer. Between 80 and 90 percent of patients become long-term survivors. Cure rates are higher when the disease is diagnosed at earlier stages.
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How is Hodgkin lymphoma treated at FCS?

Each patient and each cancer are unique. At FCS, physicians develop a personalized treatment plan in partnership with patients. Considerations include the stage and extent of the cancer. Hematology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the study and treatment of blood-related diseases, including lymphoma. The majority of FCS physicians are board-certified in hematology and medical oncology. This expertise enables them to provide holistic care to patients, using the most advanced treatment options available. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or a combination of these, are common treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma. Increasingly, at FCS, treatments may include immunotherapies, which help boost the body’s ability to fight or destroy cancerous cells. Through our extensive clinical trials research program, we offer our patients access to the most advanced treatment options available.
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Is there a screening test for Hodgkin lymphoma?

There is no test currently available to screen for Hodgkin lymphoma, although researchers continue their work. If you experience signs or symptoms, it is important to notify your physician.
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What are the first signs of Hodgkin lymphoma?

Generally, a person may notice painless swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck, armpits or chest. Other signs can include unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, a persistent cough, abdominal pain or swelling. It’s important to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.
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