Hodgkin lymphoma is cancer that affects the immune system. Our immune system protects us from germs and other threats. It’s made up of lymph tissue, which is found in our lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. It’s also in other parts of our body such as the skin, digestive tract, and reproductive organs. Hodgkin lymphoma occurs when lymph tissue becomes abnormal and develops into tumors.
The most common symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma are painless enlarged lymph nodes. The enlarged lymph nodes grow slowly or quickly and can be in the neck, armpit, or groin. These enlarged lymph nodes may be hard, soft, or firm. They can feel like a lump or a swelling. Most of the time if we have swollen lymph nodes they go away after a few weeks, but if they keep growing or we’re worried about them then we should see our doctor.
A small procedure called a biopsy is done to find out what kind of cancer it is. A sample of cells from the swollen lymph node is removed and examined under a microscope by an expert lymphoma pathologist. The pathologist can also tell how far the cancer has spread.
Most people diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma are treated and will be cured. The chances of a good result depend on the stage of Hodgkin lymphoma at diagnosis, how much it has spread (staging), and your age and general health. It’s important to know if you have family members who have had lymphoma because this can help determine your risk.
The most commonly used treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma is chemotherapy, or a combination of drugs. It may also be followed by radiation therapy, or both. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation is aimed at the affected lymph nodes and other areas where the lymphoma might be found. It’s often combined with chemotherapy for better results.
Other treatment options include giving the person who has Hodgkin lymphoma very high doses of chemotherapy and then replacing their blood with young, healthy cells from a donor (bone marrow transplantation). The chance that this will work for them is higher if they have a strong immune system and haven’t had radiation or chemotherapy before.
People who have had Hodgkin lymphoma need regular follow-up care to watch for late effects. These can include a low thyroid (hypothyroidism), problems with the bones and heart, and problems with the lungs and digestive tract. These late effects can occur after treatment and may be caused by side effects from the treatment or by the disease coming back. It’s also important to stay informed about research that may lead to new ways to prevent, diagnose, treat, or manage hodgkin’s disease and other types of cancer. The Lymphoma Research Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are good sources of information about this. You can also look for information in medical journals and on the Internet.
