GenesisCare - logo
Make an enquiry
Refer a patient

Your state: AU |

down arrow down arrow
  • All Australia
  • NSW
  • QLD
  • VIC
  • SA
  • WA
GenesisCare - logo
Cancer care
Search by diagnosis
All cancers types
Blood cancer
Bone Cancer
Breast cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer
Genitourinary cancer
Gynaecological cancer
Head & Neck cancer
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Skin cancer
Spine cancer
Treatments
Search by treatment
All treatment services
Haematology
Telehealth services
Theranostics
Radiation therapy
All Radiation Therapies
Brachytherapy
External beam RT
Gamma knife RT
MR Linac
SABR for Prostate Cancer
Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy
Hormone Therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapies
Benign treatment services
Dupuytren's Disease
Keloid Scars
Ledderhose Disease
Plantar Fasciitis
Clinical research
About clinical research
Find a clinical trial
Sponsors and referrers
Support
Navigating cancer treatment
Payment options
Telehealth
Resources
Helpful organisations
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander care
LGBTIQA+ health
For caregivers
Wellbeing blog
All articles
Understanding breast cancer stages
Questions to ask your cancer care team
Integrative cancer care
Exercise therapy
Breast bundle pilot (WA)
About us
Your local GenesisCare
NSW
QLD
SA
VIC
WA
Why GenesisCare?
Partnering with consumers
Safety and quality
About us
Our values and culture
Our leadership team
Careers
News
Contact us

Our Centres

down arrow
  • All Australia
  • NSW
  • QLD
  • VIC
  • SA
  • WA

Our Doctors

down arrow
  • All Australia
  • NSW
  • QLD
  • VIC
  • SA
  • WA
Make an enquiry
Refer a patient
GenesisCare - logo

Your state: SA |

down arrow down arrow
  • All Australia
  • NSW
  • QLD
  • VIC
  • SA
  • WA

Our Centres

down arrow
  • All Australia
  • NSW
  • QLD
  • VIC
  • SA
  • WA

Our Doctors

down arrow
  • All Australia
  • NSW
  • QLD
  • VIC
  • SA
  • WA
Cancer care
Search by diagnosis
All cancers types
Blood cancer
Bone Cancer
Breast cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer
Genitourinary cancer
Gynaecological cancer
Head & Neck cancer
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Skin cancer
Spine cancer
Treatments
Search by treatment
All treatment services
Haematology
Telehealth services
Theranostics
Radiation therapy
All Radiation Therapies
Brachytherapy
External beam RT
Gamma knife RT
MR Linac
SABR for Prostate Cancer
Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy
Hormone Therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapies
Benign treatment services
Dupuytren's Disease
Keloid Scars
Ledderhose Disease
Plantar Fasciitis
Clinical research
About clinical research
Find a clinical trial
Sponsors and referrers
Support
Navigating cancer treatment
Payment options
Telehealth
Resources
Helpful organisations
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander care
LGBTIQA+ health
For caregivers
Wellbeing blog
All articles
Understanding breast cancer stages
Questions to ask your cancer care team
Integrative cancer care
Exercise therapy
Breast bundle pilot (WA)
About us
Your local GenesisCare
NSW
QLD
SA
VIC
WA
Why GenesisCare?
Partnering with consumers
Safety and quality
About us
Our values and culture
Our leadership team
Careers
News
Contact us
  • Patients
  • Exploring cancer care
  • Conditions we treat
  • Blood cancer
  • Hodgkin's lymphoma

Introduction

Hodgkin lymphoma

Learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma including types, symptoms, steps to diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma, which is also referred to as Hodgkin disease, is a type of lymphoma - a term used for cancer of the lymphatic system.1,2 It is named after the doctor who first discovered the disease.2

Hodgkin lymphoma is less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma; non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for approximately 90% of lymphoma cases.3

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and includes your lymph glands and organs such as the spleen. Its functions include:4

  • Maintaining fluid balance and removal of cellular waste
  • Absorbing and transportation of nutrients
  • Production of immune cells to help fight infections 

The lymphatic system contains white blood cells called lymphocytes.3 Hodgkin lymphoma starts in these lymphocytes and causes abnormal lymphocytes, which typically reside in the lymph glands.1,2

There are two main types of Hodgkin lymphoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL).5

Within CHL, there are four subcategories:2,5

  • Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma 
  • Lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma 

Nodular lymphocytic predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) - generally regarded as being rare, tends to be slower growing (than classical Hodgkin lymphoma), and occurs more in males, usually young to middle-aged.2,5

Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms can be minimal or vague.2 The most common symptom tends to be painless swelling in a lymph node, in for example the neck, armpit or groin.2 Other symptoms may include:2

  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Persistent coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Itchy skin

Some symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma are referred to as ‘B symptoms’ and may include:2

  • Frequent, unexplained fevers
  • Regular night sweats that leave you drenched
  • Losing large amounts of weight very quickly

Having any of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have Hodgkin lymphoma, but you should see your doctor for a check-up.

It’s not known what causes Hodgkin lymphoma.1,2 However, some factors appear to increase the risk of getting the disease, including:6

  • Genetics
  • Family history
  • Certain viruses - the Epstein-Barr virus which causes glandular fever, and HIV are associated with a minority of Hodgkin lymphoma cases
  • Weakened immune system
  • Smoking
  • Obesity

If you have one or any of these symptoms it doesn't mean that you have Hodgkin lymphoma. If you have any questions or concerns please speak with your GP or specialist.

Smiling couple sharing an affectionate moment.

Make an enquiry

Contact us today to find out how GenesisCare can help you.

Enquire Now

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma

A range of tests may be performed to analyse symptoms, to diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma, and to determine the disease stage.2 Following a physical examination, which may include an assessment of any swelling in lymph nodes in the neck, underarm and groin, further tests may include:2,7

  • Blood tests 
  • Imaging tests - these may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound, or a positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the body to check for tumours and if they have metastasised (spread to other areas of the body)
  • Biopsy - is considered to be the most common test for Hodgkin lymphoma. Some of the tissue from an enlarged lymph node is removed for analysis
  • Bone marrow biopsy - on occasion, a bone marrow biopsy may be performed to analyse whether there are any cancerous cells present in the bone marrow

Find a doctor

Search for Hodgkin's Lymphoma specialists in your state.

Find a doctor

Treatment options

Treatment options for Hodgkin lymphoma

The type of treatment recommended for Hodgkin lymphoma usually depends on a number of factors, including overall health, age, type, and disease stage. These options are often recommended with the aim of helping improve the outcome. Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.

Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma can include:2

Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy

Other treatments may include:2

  • Immunotherapy
  • Stem cell or bone marrow transplant 
  • Steroids
  • Targeted therapy
Senior Woman Walking On Winter Beach Looking Off Camera

Cancer treatment often results in side effects, yet the type and severity of side effects may vary between individuals.8,9 You can ask your doctor for detailed information about side effects and how to best manage them.

The following list may help when researching the types of activities and nutrition you can consider during treatment.10 Your treating doctor can also provide further information or point you towards the right resources:

  • Get as much rest as possible
  • Aim for a wholefood, varied diet, and we also encourage you to think about eating foods that interest you rather than what you think you should eat
  • Appetite changes are common, and you may experience taste changes or nausea. Help manage this by eating small, frequent snacks and avoiding smells that make you nauseous
  • Drink lots of water
  • Reach out to support groups and others who have had cancer treatment
  • Record your side effects in a diary or journal
  • Speak to your doctor about incorporating some gentle exercise into your weekly routine
  • It is important to acknowledge when you are fatigued and rest when you need to
  • Ask for and accept help from family, friends and neighbours
  • Be open with employers about your treatment and discuss flexible working options if you need them

Find a centre

Search for consulting and treatment locations near you.

View centres

Support services

Support services

Lymphoma Australia

Lymphoma Australia offers support and education for those affected by lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). 

Visit website

Cancer Council Australia

Australia's leading cancer charity, Cancer Council aims to lead a cohesive approach to reduce the impact of cancer.

Visit website

Targeting Cancer

Targeting Cancer seeks to raise awareness about radiation therapy as a treatment option for cancer.

Visit website

Leukaemia Foundation

The national organisation dedicated to the care and cure of people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and other related blood disorders.

Visit website

Rare Cancers Australia

RCA is dedicated to improving the lives and health outcomes of Australians affected by rare and less common cancers.

Visit website

Australian Cancer Research Foundation

ACRF funds cutting-edge cancer research by providing scientists with advanced technology and infrastructure.

Visit website
  1. Kaseb, H & Babiker, HM. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Hodgkin Lymphoma. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 June (cited Feb. 2024). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499969/
  2. Cancer Council Australia [website]. Understanding Hodgkin Lymphoma. May 2019 [ cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-hodgkin-lymphoma-booklet
  3. Australian Government. Cancer Australia. Lymphoma [website]. Cited Jan. 2024. Access from: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/lymphoma/overview
  4. Ozdowski, L & Gupta, V. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Physiology, Lymphatic System StatPearls Publishing; 2023 May (cited Feb. 2024). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557833/
  5. Jiang, M. et al Expert Rev Hematol. 2017; 10(3): 239–49.
  6. Huang, J. et al. J Hematol Oncol. 2022; 15: 57
  7. Paquin, AR. et al. Eur J Haematol. 2023; 110(1): 3–13.
  8. Cancer Council Australia [website]. Cancer side effects. Cited Jan. 2024. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/cancer-side-effects
  9. National Cancer Institute. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Side Effects of Cancer Treatment [webpage}. [Cited Oct. 2023]. Access from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects
  10. Cancer Council Australia [website]. Nutrition for People Living with Cancer. Page last updated July 2022 [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/nutrition-and-cancer-booklet

You are leaving our website

You are now leaving our website. GenesisCare do not control this content and therefore are not responsible for its accuracy or reliability.

Disclaimer:

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.
AU Genesis Logo

Who we are

About GenesisCare
Careers
News
LGBTQIA+ Progressive Flag
Australian Aboriginal Flag
Torres Strait Islander Flag

Website policies

Cookie preferences
Our privacy policy
Employee privacy policy
Open disclosure & credentialing policies

Your local GenesisCare

NSW
QLD
SA
VIC
WA

Contact us

Call us
Make an enquiry
Refer a patient
Provide feedback
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin

GenesisCare acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. We ask all people that walk, work, and live on traditional lands to be respectful of culture & traditions and work together as one to better Aboriginal Health.

Copyright © 2025 GenesisCare. All Rights Reserved.

How satisfied are you with your website experience?

Very dissatisfied Very satisfied

How could we improve your experience?

Thank You!

We appreciate your feedback.

Unexpected error!

Please try again.