Hodgkin lymphoma

What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma is a blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) was named after Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, a British doctor. In 1832, Hodgkin described several cases of people with symptoms of a cancer involving the lymph nodes. The disease was called Hodgkin’s disease. It was officially renamed Hodgkin lymphoma when it became clear that it was a type of lymphoma. It is one of the most curable forms of cancer.

It's important that your doctor is experienced in treating patients with lymphoma or works in consultation with a lymphoma specialist. This type of specialist is called a hematologist-oncologist. Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma includes chemotherapy alone or followed by radiation, depending on individual patient factors. Stem cell transplantation is also a treatment option, but it is not recommended as an initial treatment. 

Find facts and statistics about Hodgkin lymphoma and other blood cancers. 

Hodgkin lymphoma in children is different from Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. Learn about childhood hodgkin lymphoma. 
 

What should I do if I am diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma?

Talk with your doctor about your diagnostic tests and what the results mean. Be sure you know your Hodgkin lymphoma subtype, because different subtypes have different treatments. 

Learn more about communicating with your blood cancer specialist or find a list of suggested questions to ask your healthcare providers.  
 

How does Hodgkin lymphoma develop? 

Hodgkin lymphoma starts when an abnormal change to the DNA of a white blood cell (called a “lymphocyte”) causes it to become a lymphoma cell that, if untreated, results in the uncontrolled growth of cancerous lymphocytes. These cancerous cells crowd out normal white cells, and the immune system can't guard against infection effectively. 

Lymphoma cells grow and form masses, usually in the lymph nodes, located throughout our bodies in the lymphatic system. They can also gather in other areas of the body where lymphoid tissue is found. 

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is distinguished from other types of lymphoma by the presence of Hodgkin cells and Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells (named for the scientists who first identified them).  

RS cells are large, abnormal B lymphocytes that often have more than one nucleus and an owl-like appearance. Hodgkin cells are larger than normal lymphocytes but smaller than RS cells. These differences can be observed under a microscope and further identified by special pathology tests. This information helps doctors determine a patient’s Hodgkin lymphoma subtype. 

View a 3D model of Hodgkin lymphoma’s impact on the body. Click or tap the "Interact in 3D" button to begin. 

What are risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma? 

The exact reason why most people have Hodgkin lymphoma is not known, but the following risk factors may increase a person's likelihood of developing Hodgkin lymphoma: 

• Past Epstein-Barr virus infection: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), known for causing mononucleosis, is associated with the development of some types of cancer, including Hodgkin lymphoma. Infection with EBV in early childhood or having “mono” in the teenage years increases the risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. While many people are infected with EBV, very few actually develop Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Age: People can develop Hodgkin lymphoma at any age, but it is most common in adolescents and young adults. Certain subtypes may peak again in older adults.
• Sex: Hodgkin lymphoma is slightly more common in males. 
• Family history: Having a parent or sibling with Hodgkin lymphoma may increase the risk of Hodgkin lymphoma 
• Weakened immune system: People infected with HIV have an increased risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. People who take medicines to suppress the immune system and people with autoimmune disease are also at a higher risk.  

You cannot catch the disease from someone else. 

Source: Hodgkin lymphoma: In detail. Reviewed by John P. Leonard, MD