Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma)

Hodgkin's disease or Hodgkin's lymphoma is CANCER that starts in the lymph system. The lymphatic tissue includes the lymph nodes and related organs that are part of the body's immune and blood forming systems. Lymph nodes make and store infection-fighting cells and are located all over the body, with the major groups in the underarms, pelvis, neck, and abdomen. Hodgkin's disease usually occurs between 15 and 35 years of age and over age 55. It affects twice as many males as females. It advances from one part of the lymph system to the next and can move or spread into almost any other part of the body.

Risk factors:

• brother or sister with Hodgkin's disease
• Epstein-Barr virus

The first symptom is usually a painless swelling in the lymph glands of the neck, armpits, or groin. Weight loss, night sweats, itchy skin, anemia, and fevers may also occur. Seek medical evaluation for symptoms that persist.

With any of these symptoms, a person should have a medical exam. Hodgkin's disease is diagnosed by taking a tissue sample from a lymph node. This tissue sample is examined to find cells that are specific to the disease. If Hodgkin's disease is found, more tests will be done to learn the stage or the extent of the disease. Some of these tests may include a complete blood work-up, chest x-ray, CT or CAT scan, MRI, and a bone marrow biopsy.

Treatment depends on the extent of the disease. Treatment options may include radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Both are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to do this and chemotherapy uses special anticancer drugs. Bone marrow transplantation, peripheral stem cell transplantation, and biological therapy (immunotherapy) are being studied in clinical trials.

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service at 800-237-1225 or 319-356-3000 for more information about this topic.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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