Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), also known as Hodgkin disease, is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, usually found in the lymph nodes.  

HL is characterized by the presence of very large cells called Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells, although other abnormal cell types may be present. HL usually starts in the lymph nodes; however, it often spreads from one lymph node to another and can also spread to other organs.

Hodgkin lymphoma, is less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 9,000 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma are projected each year. Although the cancer can occur in both children and adults, it is most commonly diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 15 and 35 and in older adults over age 50.

Common signs and symptoms of HL include swelling of the lymph nodes (which is often but not always painless), fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and lack of energy.

---

---

Classifications of HL

Classical HL Subtypes

• Nodular Sclerosis cHL: The most common subtype of HL characterized by the RS cells mixed with normal white blood cells in the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes often contain a lot of scar tissue.
• Mixed Cellularity cHL: More commonly found in men, the lymph nodes contain RS cells in addition to several other cell types.
• Lymphocyte Depletion: This aggressive type of HL characterized by a few normal lymphocytes with an abundance of RS cells.
• Lymphocyte-Rich: Characterized by the presence of numerous normal- appearing lymphocytes and classic RS cells.

Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma Subtypes

• Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant: This slow-growing type of HL is associated with abnormal B cells, which may be distributed in a nodular (knot-like) pattern within the tissues.

To learn more about HL, download the Understanding Lymphoma and CLL Guide or the Hodgkin Lymphoma Fact Sheet.