Hodgkin lymphoma

Overview

Hodgkin lymphoma cytology

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of lymphoma, which is a cancer originating from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large, abnormal lymphocytes that can be identified under a microscope. Hodgkin lymphoma is named after Thomas Hodgkin, who first described the condition in 1832.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is the painless swelling of lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpits, or groin. Other symptoms may include fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Some patients may experience itching or pain in the lymph nodes after consuming alcohol.

Diagnosis

Reed-Sternberg cell

Diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy. A biopsy of the affected lymph node is essential to confirm the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Imaging studies such as CT scans or PET scans are used to determine the extent of the disease.

Staging

Staging of Hodgkin lymphoma is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan. The stages are defined as follows:

Stage I

Stage 1 Hodgkin's lymphoma

In Stage I, the cancer is limited to a single lymph node region or a single extralymphatic organ or site.

Stage II

Stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma

Stage II indicates that the cancer is in two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm or has spread to a nearby extralymphatic organ.

Stage III

Stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma

In Stage III, the cancer is found in lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm, possibly including the spleen or a nearby extralymphatic organ.

Stage IV

Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma

Stage IV indicates that the cancer has spread to one or more extralymphatic organs, such as the liver, bone marrow, or lungs.

Types

Hodgkin lymphoma is classified into two main types: classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.

Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

This is the most common type and includes subtypes such as nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich, and lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma.

Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma

Popcorn cell in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

This type is less common and is characterized by the presence of "popcorn" cells, which are a variant of Reed-Sternberg cells.

Treatment

Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and, in some cases, stem cell transplants. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and other factors.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Hodgkin lymphoma is generally favorable, with high cure rates, especially when diagnosed early. Advances in treatment have significantly improved survival rates over the past few decades.

Epidemiology

Global incidence of lymphomas

Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in young adults and has a bimodal age distribution, with peaks in young adulthood and later in life. It is slightly more common in males than females.

Related Pages

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Lymphatic system
• Cancer