BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuHodgkin lymphomaLymphoma - Hodgkin; Hodgkin disease; Hodgkin lymphoma; Hodgkin's lymphomaHodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is not known. Hodgkin lymphoma is most common among people 15 to 35 years old and those 55 and older. Past infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is thought to contribute to some cases. People with HIV infection are at increased risk compared to the general population. Symptoms The first sign of Hodgkin lymphoma is often a painless swollen lymph node that appears without a known cause. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs.Symptoms may include any of the following:Feeling tired all the time Fever and chills that come and go Itching all over the body that cannot be explained Loss of appetite Drenching night sweats Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin (swollen glands) Swollen glandsLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight loss that cannot be explained Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:Coughing, chest pains, or breathing problems if there are swollen lymph nodes in the chest Excessive sweating Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs due to swollen spleen or liver Pain in lymph nodes after drinking alcohol Skin blushing or flushing Symptoms caused by Hodgkin lymphoma may occur with other conditions. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific symptoms. Exams and Tests Your provider will perform a physical exam and check body areas with lymph nodes to feel if they are swollen.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The disease is diagnosed based on a biopsy of abnormal tissue, usually a lymph node.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The following procedures will usually be done:Blood chemistry tests including liver function tests, kidney function tests, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Blood chemistry testsA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lactate dehydrogenaseLactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a protein that helps produce energy in the body. An LDH test measures the amount of LDH in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Erythrocyte sedimentation rateESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate. "It is a test that indirectly measures the level of certain protei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bone marrow biopsy Bone marrow biopsyA bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside one of your bones. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT scansA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count (CBC) and white blood cell differential to check for anemia and low white blood cell count Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article White blood cell differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scanPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If tests show that you have Hodgkin lymphoma, more tests may be done to see how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Staging helps guide treatment and follow-up.StagingCancer staging is a way to describe how much cancer is in your body and where it is located. Staging helps determine where the original tumor is, ho...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on the following:The type of Hodgkin lymphoma The stage (where the disease has spread) Your age and other medical issues Other factors, including whether you have weight loss, night sweats, and feverYou may receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, chemoimmunotherapy, chemoradiation therapy, or a combination of all therapies. Your provider can tell you more about your specific treatment.ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High-dose chemotherapy may be given when Hodgkin lymphoma returns after treatment or does not respond to the first treatment. This is followed by a stem cell transplant that uses your own stem cells.Stem cell transplantA bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft, fatt...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood transfusions or platelet transfusions may be required if blood counts are low.You and your provider may need to manage other concerns during your lymphoma treatment, including:Having chemotherapy at home Having chemotherapy at homeYou or your child will be going home from the hospital soon. Your health care provider has prescribed medicines or other treatments that you or your...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Managing your pets during chemotherapy Managing your pets during chemotherapyIf you have a weak immune system, having a pet can put you at risk for serious illness from diseases that can spread from animals to humans. Learn w...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bleeding problems Bleeding problemsYour bone marrow makes cells called platelets. These cells keep you from bleeding too much by helping your blood clot. Chemotherapy, radiation, and...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Dry mouth Dry mouthSome cancer treatments and medicines can cause dry mouth. Take good care of your mouth during your cancer treatment. Follow the measures outlined b...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Eating enough caloriesEating enough caloriesIf you are sick or undergoing cancer treatment, you may not feel like eating. But it is important to get enough protein and calories so you do not l...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers. A cure is even more likely if it is diagnosed and treated early. Unlike many other cancers, Hodgkin lymphoma is also very curable in its late stages.You will need to have regular exams for years after your treatment. This helps your provider check for signs of the cancer returning and for any long-term treatment effects. Possible Complications Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma can have complications. Long-term complications of chemotherapy or radiation therapy include:Bone marrow diseases (such as leukemia) LeukemiaLeukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart disease Inability to have children (infertility) InfertilityInfertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung problems Other cancers Thyroid problems Keep following up with a provider who knows about monitoring and preventing these complications. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma You have Hodgkin lymphoma and you have side effects from the treatment Open ReferencesReferencesBartlett N, Triska G. Hodgkin lymphoma. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 102.Connors JM, Savage KJ. Hodgkin lymphoma. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 172.National Cancer Institute website. Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/adult-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. Updated February 12, 2025. Accessed April 3, 2025.National Cancer Institute website. Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/child-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. Updated October 11, 2024. Accessed February 10, 2025.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Hodgkin lymphoma. Version 2.2025. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/hodgkins.pdf. Updated January 30, 2025. Accessed February 10, 2025.AllVideoImagesTogLymphatic system - illustration The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).Lymphatic systemillustrationHodgkin's disease - liver involvement - illustration Hodgkin's disease (lymphoma) is a malignant cancer that can affect many organs. A whitish, irregular tumor mass of lymphoma cells is seen on the left side of this cross-section of the liver.Hodgkin's disease - liver involvementillustrationLymphoma, malignant - CT scan - illustration This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses (malignant lymphomas) in the area behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal space).Lymphoma, malignant - CT scanillustrationImmune system structures - illustration The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.Immune system structuresillustrationLymphatic system - illustration The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).Lymphatic systemillustrationHodgkin's disease - liver involvement - illustration Hodgkin's disease (lymphoma) is a malignant cancer that can affect many organs. A whitish, irregular tumor mass of lymphoma cells is seen on the left side of this cross-section of the liver.Hodgkin's disease - liver involvementillustrationLymphoma, malignant - CT scan - illustration This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses (malignant lymphomas) in the area behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal space).Lymphoma, malignant - CT scanillustrationImmune system structures - illustration The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.Immune system structuresillustrationRelated Information Non-Hodgkin lymphoma(Condition)Bone marrow transplant(Surgery)Chemotherapy - what to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Radiation therapy - questions to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Bone marrow transplant - discharge(Discharge)Chest radiation - discharge(Discharge)Mouth and neck radiation - discharge(Discharge)Eating extra calories when sick - adults(Self-Care)When you have nausea and vomiting(Self-Care)Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - InDepth(In-Depth)Hodgkin disease - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 2/3/2025 Reviewed By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Hodgkin lymphomaLymphoma - Hodgkin; Hodgkin disease; Hodgkin lymphoma; Hodgkin's lymphomaHodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is not known. Hodgkin lymphoma is most common among people 15 to 35 years old and those 55 and older. Past infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is thought to contribute to some cases. People with HIV infection are at increased risk compared to the general population. Symptoms The first sign of Hodgkin lymphoma is often a painless swollen lymph node that appears without a known cause. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs.Symptoms may include any of the following:Feeling tired all the time Fever and chills that come and go Itching all over the body that cannot be explained Loss of appetite Drenching night sweats Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin (swollen glands) Swollen glandsLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight loss that cannot be explained Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:Coughing, chest pains, or breathing problems if there are swollen lymph nodes in the chest Excessive sweating Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs due to swollen spleen or liver Pain in lymph nodes after drinking alcohol Skin blushing or flushing Symptoms caused by Hodgkin lymphoma may occur with other conditions. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific symptoms. Exams and Tests Your provider will perform a physical exam and check body areas with lymph nodes to feel if they are swollen.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The disease is diagnosed based on a biopsy of abnormal tissue, usually a lymph node.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The following procedures will usually be done:Blood chemistry tests including liver function tests, kidney function tests, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Blood chemistry testsA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lactate dehydrogenaseLactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a protein that helps produce energy in the body. An LDH test measures the amount of LDH in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Erythrocyte sedimentation rateESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate. "It is a test that indirectly measures the level of certain protei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bone marrow biopsy Bone marrow biopsyA bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside one of your bones. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT scansA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count (CBC) and white blood cell differential to check for anemia and low white blood cell count Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article White blood cell differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scanPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If tests show that you have Hodgkin lymphoma, more tests may be done to see how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Staging helps guide treatment and follow-up.StagingCancer staging is a way to describe how much cancer is in your body and where it is located. Staging helps determine where the original tumor is, ho...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on the following:The type of Hodgkin lymphoma The stage (where the disease has spread) Your age and other medical issues Other factors, including whether you have weight loss, night sweats, and feverYou may receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, chemoimmunotherapy, chemoradiation therapy, or a combination of all therapies. Your provider can tell you more about your specific treatment.ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High-dose chemotherapy may be given when Hodgkin lymphoma returns after treatment or does not respond to the first treatment. This is followed by a stem cell transplant that uses your own stem cells.Stem cell transplantA bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft, fatt...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood transfusions or platelet transfusions may be required if blood counts are low.You and your provider may need to manage other concerns during your lymphoma treatment, including:Having chemotherapy at home Having chemotherapy at homeYou or your child will be going home from the hospital soon. Your health care provider has prescribed medicines or other treatments that you or your...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Managing your pets during chemotherapy Managing your pets during chemotherapyIf you have a weak immune system, having a pet can put you at risk for serious illness from diseases that can spread from animals to humans. Learn w...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bleeding problems Bleeding problemsYour bone marrow makes cells called platelets. These cells keep you from bleeding too much by helping your blood clot. Chemotherapy, radiation, and...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Dry mouth Dry mouthSome cancer treatments and medicines can cause dry mouth. Take good care of your mouth during your cancer treatment. Follow the measures outlined b...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Eating enough caloriesEating enough caloriesIf you are sick or undergoing cancer treatment, you may not feel like eating. But it is important to get enough protein and calories so you do not l...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers. A cure is even more likely if it is diagnosed and treated early. Unlike many other cancers, Hodgkin lymphoma is also very curable in its late stages.You will need to have regular exams for years after your treatment. This helps your provider check for signs of the cancer returning and for any long-term treatment effects. Possible Complications Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma can have complications. Long-term complications of chemotherapy or radiation therapy include:Bone marrow diseases (such as leukemia) LeukemiaLeukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart disease Inability to have children (infertility) InfertilityInfertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung problems Other cancers Thyroid problems Keep following up with a provider who knows about monitoring and preventing these complications. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma You have Hodgkin lymphoma and you have side effects from the treatment Open ReferencesReferencesBartlett N, Triska G. Hodgkin lymphoma. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 102.Connors JM, Savage KJ. Hodgkin lymphoma. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 172.National Cancer Institute website. Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/adult-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. Updated February 12, 2025. Accessed April 3, 2025.National Cancer Institute website. Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/child-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. Updated October 11, 2024. Accessed February 10, 2025.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Hodgkin lymphoma. Version 2.2025. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/hodgkins.pdf. Updated January 30, 2025. Accessed February 10, 2025.
