Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymph tissue that originates from cells called lymphocytes, a subtype of white blood cells that are part of the immune system. There are several known subtypes. Although it can be seen at any age, it occurs mostly in young adults. Hodgkin’s lymphoma can occur almost anywhere there is lymph tissue. It usually starts with an enlargement of a single lymph node or group of lymph nodes in one area. Symptoms such as cough, fever, unexplained weight loss and night sweats may also be present. Pathologic evaluation is necessary for diagnosis. Localization and spread are determined by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and especially PET. Treatment of the disease is patient-specific. Early stage patients can be treated with short-term chemotherapy, while advanced stage patients may require radiotherapy and long-term chemotherapy to completely eradicate the disease and prevent recurrence. In relapsed cases, targeted therapies and stem cell transplantation are usually the best treatment options.