Hodgkin lymphoma, also called Hodgkin’s disease, is one category of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system. Lymphoma begins when cells in the lymph system change and grow uncontrollably, which may form a tumor.
About the lymph system
The lymph system is made up of thin tubes that branch out to all parts of the body. Its job is to fight infection and disease. The lymph system carries lymph, a colorless fluid containing lymphocytes (white blood cells). Lymphocytes fight germs in the body. B-lymphocytes (also called B cells) make antibodies to fight bacteria, and T-lymphocytes (also called T cells) kill viruses and foreign cells and trigger the B cells to make antibodies.
Groups of bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes are located throughout the body at different areas in the lymph system. Lymph nodes are found in clusters in the abdomen, groin, pelvis, underarms, and neck. Other parts of the lymph system include the spleen, which makes lymphocytes and filters blood; the thymus, an organ under the breastbone; and the tonsils, which are located in the throat.
Hodgkin lymphoma most commonly affects lymph nodes in the neck or the area between the lungs and behind the breastbone. It can also begin in groups of lymph nodes under the arms, in the groin, or in the abdomen or pelvis.
If Hodgkin lymphoma spreads, it may spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or bone. Spread to other parts of the body can also occur, but it is unusual.
This section covers Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. Learn more about
childhood Hodgkin lymphoma or
non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults.
Types of Hodgkin Lymphoma
There are different types of Hodgkin lymphoma. It is important to know the type, as this may affect the choice of treatment. Doctors determine the type of Hodgkin lymphoma based on how the cells in a tissue sample look under a microscope and whether the cells contain abnormal patterns of certain proteins.
The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) recognizes these major categories of Hodgkin lymphoma:
Classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) is diagnosed when characteristic Reed-Sternberg cells are found. About 20% to 25% of people with CHL in the United States and Western Europe have also had the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, also known as "mono"). However, the role of EBV in the development of Hodgkin lymphoma is not yet clear.
The following list describes the different CHL subtypes.
Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma. Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common form of CHL; up to 80% of people with CHL have this form. It is most common in young adults, especially women. In addition to Reed-Sternberg cells, there are bands of connective tissue in the lymph node. There is often involvement of the lymph nodes in the chest (mediastinum).
Lymphocyte-rich classical Hodgkin lymphoma. About 6% of people with CHL have this form. It is more common in men and usually involves areas other than the chest (mediastinum). The tissue contains many normal lymphocytes, in addition to Reed-Sternberg cells.
Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma. This type of lymphoma occurs in older adults and, commonly, in the abdomen. It carries many different cell types, including large numbers of Reed-Sternberg cells.
Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma is the least common subtype of CHL, and about 1% of people with CHL have this form. It most frequently appears in older adults, people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and people in nonindustrial countries. The lymph node contains almost all Reed-Sternberg cells.
There is another type of Hodgkin lymphoma that is not a part of the CHL group; rather, it is more similar at the protein and genetic level to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. About 5% of people with Hodgkin lymphoma have nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. It is most common in younger patients, and is often found in the neck lymph nodes.
Find out more about basic cancer terms used in this section.
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Last Updated: July 27, 2011
