Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphocytes which are part of the immune system – also called your lymphatic system.

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Lymphocytes are white blood cells formed in the bone marrow that travel through the blood and lymph fluid. B-Cell lymphocytes make antibodies that fight infection from bacteria and viruses. T-cell lymphocytes have several purposes such as destroying germs or other foreign cells in the body. They can also help boost or slow down the activity of other immune cells.

In Hodgkin lymphoma, the abnormal cell that develops is typically from a B cell and is called a Reed-Sternberg cell.

The Reed-Sternberg cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells don't die when they should. They don't protect the body from infections or other diseases. The buildup of extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.

Types of Hodgkin Lymphoma

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common type, accounting for about 95% of cases of Hodgkin lymphoma. There are four subtypes of classic Hodgkin lymphoma:

Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphocyte-rich Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma
Mixed Cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma
Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin Lymphoma

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for about 5% of Hodgkin lymphoma cases and is more common in younger people.

More About Hodgkin Lymphoma

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Are There Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Many times the symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma are passed off as something else for a while. That’s because the symptoms can be associated with other health conditions. Be sure you talk to your doctor about all of the symptoms. Getting a full picture of what you’re experiencing can give the doctor clues about their actual cause.

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A Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosis: What’s Next?

If initial tests show signs that Hodgkin Lymphoma could be the cause, additional testing will be done. Most often these additional tests are run by a hematologist. This is a type of doctor who specializes in blood disorders.

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Hodgkin Lymphoma Staging

Staging is the process of finding if other areas of the body are affected by the disease. Lymphoma usually starts in a lymph node. It can spread to nearly any other part of the body.

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Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment Options

Your doctor can describe your Hodgkin lymphoma treatment choices and the expected results. You and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

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Who Treats Hodgkin Lymphoma?

The hematologist who diagnosed the Hodgkin lymphoma is also the doctor who treats it. That’s because hematologists are also oncologists, specializing in cancer treatments. New York Oncology Hematology cares for Hodgkin Lymphoma patients in the Capital District. Request an appointment for a consultation if you have received test results that indicate lymphoma. Our specialists are also available to provide a second opinion on cancer treatment plans.

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