Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
• Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Hodgkin's Lymphoma
What is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. It begins when a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte changes and grows out of control. These abnormal cells can form tumors in lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, tissues, and organs that helps fight infections and remove toxins from the body. It includes lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped organs found throughout the body, especially in the neck, armpits, and groin.
Hodgkin lymphoma is different from other types of lymphoma because it involves a specific type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. These large, abnormal cells are found in the lymph nodes of people with Hodgkin lymphoma.
This cancer can affect people of any age, but it's most common in young adults (ages 15-40) and older adults (over 55). It's slightly more common in males than females.
The exact cause of Hodgkin lymphoma isn't known, but certain factors may increase the risk:
• Having a weakened immune system
• Past infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mono)
• Family history of the disease
Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma can include:
• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue
How is it diagnosed?
• Physical exam: The doctor checks for swollen lymph nodes and other signs of illness.
• Blood tests: To check overall health and look for signs of cancer.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans to look for enlarged lymph nodes or other signs of cancer.
• Lymph node biopsy: A sample of lymph node tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.
• Bone marrow biopsy: A small sample of bone marrow is taken to check for cancer cells.
How is it treated?
• Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Radiation therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells in a specific area.
• Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the immune system fight cancer.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs that attack specific parts of cancer cells.
• Stem cell transplant: For some cases that don't respond to other treatments.
Trend
• Number of people in the US that have it: About 8,830 new cases were expected in 2021.
• Number of people that have had it in the last five years: Approximately 40,000-45,000 people.
• Five-year projection: The number of new cases is expected to remain relatively stable.
History
Hodgkin lymphoma was first described in 1832 by Thomas Hodgkin, a British doctor. At that time, it was called "Hodgkin's disease."
For many years, it was considered incurable. In the 1950s and 1960s, new treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy were developed, dramatically improving survival rates.
In the 1970s, a combination chemotherapy regimen called MOPP became the first treatment to cure a large number of patients. Since then, newer treatments have continued to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.
Today, Hodgkin lymphoma is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer, with many patients achieving long-term remission or cure.
Source of Information
• American Cancer Society
• National Cancer Institute
• National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.
