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Understanding Hodgkin Lymphoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Jerome Albert Ecker | MD

Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on February 10th, 2024.

Key Takeaways

  • Reed-Sternberg cells are the hallmark abnormal cells that distinguish this cancer from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, making up less than 1% of all lymphomas but with much better outcomes.
  • Classic B-symptoms occur in about 30% of patients—drenching night sweats requiring clothing changes, unexplained fever above 100.4°F, and losing more than 10% of body weight within 6 months.
  • Epstein-Barr virus infection increases risk by 2-4 times, particularly in developing countries where EBV-positive cases represent 90% of diagnoses versus 40% in developed nations.
  • Stage I-II disease (confined to one side of the diaphragm) has a 5-year survival rate of 90-95%, while advanced stages III-IV still achieve 80-85% long-term remission with modern protocols.
  • ABVD chemotherapy (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) remains the gold standard first-line treatment, typically given every 2 weeks for 4-6 cycles depending on staging.

Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of nodes and vessels that help remove fluid, waste, and foreign organisms from the body. When a person has Hodgkin lymphoma, the cells in the lymph nodes multiply uncontrollably, producing malignant cells that can spread to other parts of the body.

Who Is at Risk for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in two age groups: young adults between the ages of 15 and 35, and older adults over the age of 50. It is slightly more common in males than females and more common in Caucasians than in African-Americans. However, anyone can develop Hodgkin lymphoma.

Understanding Hodgkin Lymphoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What Causes Hodgkin Lymphoma?

The exact cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is not known, but several factors have been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease:

  • Viruses: The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis (mono), has been found in 20-80% of Hodgkin lymphoma tumors.

  • Family history: Siblings and identical twins of a person with Hodgkin lymphoma have a higher risk of developing the disease. Children with a parent who has Hodgkin lymphoma are also at an increased risk.

  • Environment: Growing up in a home with fewer siblings, being an early-born child, living in a single-family home, and having fewer playmates may increase the risk of Hodgkin lymphoma, possibly due to less exposure to infections in early childhood.

What Are the Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma?

The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes, usually in the neck, armpit, or groin. These swollen nodes are generally painless. Other symptoms may include:

  • Fever

  • Night sweats

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Fatigue

  • Itchy skin

  • Cough or trouble breathing

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially swollen lymph nodes, consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

How Is Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated?

Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the stage of the cancer and the individual patient's overall health. The main treatment options include:

  • Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells throughout the body.

  • Radiation therapy: High-energy beams that target cancer cells in a specific area.

  • Stem cell transplant: A procedure that replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

  • Immunotherapy: Treatments that help the body's immune system fight cancer.

Thanks to advances in treatment, most people diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma will be long-term survivors. Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.

Learn More About Hodgkin Lymphoma

For more information about Hodgkin lymphoma, visit these trusted resources:

The Bottom Line

This blood cancer stands out for having one of the highest cure rates among all cancers, especially when caught early through recognizing persistent, painless lymph node swelling. Quick evaluation is essential since treatment outcomes are significantly better with prompt diagnosis. If you're noticing unexplained swollen nodes or concerning symptoms, Doctronic can help connect you with proper evaluation quickly.

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